If a person is attacked while staying in a hotel, who would be liable for the damages? Assault and battery can cause severe injuries and emotional distress, both of which can affect your quality of life and financial security.
Fortunately, assault victims can file a civil suit against their attackers alongside any criminal proceedings. Assault and battery are considered intentional torts, which can form the basis of a claim that results in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages incurred due to the attack.
If the incident occurred in an area that should have been better secured or illuminated, such as a hotel parking lot, the victim may also be able to bring a personal injury claim against the property owner. This would be considered a negligent tort because even though the action was not deliberate, it still presented an opportunity for the claimant to sustain serious injuries.
If you were attacked at a hotel, the Jackson premises liability attorneys at Coxwell & Associates can help you determine the most strategic way to proceed with your claim. We take great pride in helping victims recover the compensation they need to move on with life. Call (601) 265-7766 to schedule a free case evaluation with an injury lawyer in Mississippi.
Examples of Negligence in Hotel Assault and Battery Cases
Building a strong negligent tort claim against a hotel for premises liability requires the same basic elements as building any other kind of personal injury claim. For example, to recover compensation for your damages, you must be able to prove that the business establishment breached a duty of care owed to you. This can be proven by showing how the hotel failed to maintain a reasonably safe or secure facility.
Some examples of a lodging facility’s negligence include:
- Employing inattentive doormen or front desk clerks who fail to screen visitors;
- Having a poorly trained security force;
- Failing to employ enough security guards to cover the grounds adequately;
- Failing to install adequate lighting in secluded areas where people are vulnerable to assault, such as parking lots and stairwells;
- Failing to install or maintain surveillance cameras;
- Allowing those who are not staying at the hotel to loiter on the property; and
- Failing to maintain the door/window locks of each room.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 10 percent of all property crimes occur in parking lots and garages. In many of these cases, there was something the property owner could have done to deter the perpetrator from acting.
Discuss Your Case with a Hotel Premises Liability Lawyer in Jackson Today!
If you were attacked in a hotel parking lot, contact Coxwell & Associates to discuss your case. We may be able to help you gather evidence of the facility’s negligence in addition to filing an intentional tort claim against the attacker.
Our personal injury lawyers have won nearly $300 million for clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 877-231-1600, fill out our Contact Form, or click on the button below to schedule a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.