Injured While on Vacation What are the Next Steps
Vacation should be a fun, relaxing time. Sometimes, however, accidents happen. If you or a traveling companion sustained injuries while on vacation, you may be unsure what your next steps are.
Sustaining injuries while on vacation can be especially frightening due to the unfamiliarity of the location. You may be wondering how to sue a hotel, a resort, cruise ship, or other vacation spots.
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you are eligible to recover compensation. Here is what you need to do following an injury at a hotel, a resort, cruise ship, or other vacation destination.
Seek Medical Treatment
Following any type of injury while on vacation, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, it is important that you seek medical care.
A medical professional is the most qualified person to diagnose and treat your injuries.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Safety and security laws vary by state; however, most hotels and vacation destination have a duty to offer a reasonably safe environment. If they fail to meet that duty, you have the right to pursue compensation for their negligence.
Once you seek medical care, you should focus on protecting your legal rights. Here are the next steps to take.
Notify Management
Once you have seen a medical professional, your next step is to notify the staff or management of the property where you were injured. This might include the manager on duty at a resort, the cruise director on a cruise ship, or the manager of a store.
Be sure to note the name of the person you notify, as well as their position, and contact information.
They may attempt to take your statement, ask you to sign a waiver or ask you to admit fault. It is in your best interests to state what happened and nothing more.
Document Your Injuries
Take photos of any injuries you sustained as soon as possible. Document bumps, bruises, cuts, broken bones, or even scrapes. Be sure to take the photos in a well-lit area (like the hospital waiting room), so you have clear evidence of your injuries.
Also, keep a written record of your symptoms. Do you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have pain in your neck or back? Writing your symptoms down as they occur will give you written documentation you can refer to later.
Vacation Accident Facts
Collect Evidence Information
The moments after an accident may be a blur, particularly if your injury is severe or requires medical transportation. However, evidence can quickly disappear. As soon as you are able, begin to collect evidence. It can be critical in pursuing a claim.
The information you should collect includes, but is not limited to:
- The name, position, and contact information of the person you notified of your accident.
- The name, address, and phone number of the place where you were injured.
- A written statement of how the accident occurred.
- Photographs of your injuries.
- Pictures or videos of the location where your injuries occurred taken from several angles.
- The names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Medical records, including bills, diagnosis, testing, and any other relevant information from your medical team.
Contact a Lawyer
You can pursue a personal injury or premises liability claim on your own; however, the experience of a lawyer can be beneficial to your case.
A hotel accident lawyer understands the tactics insurance companies use to get out of paying. They know how to negotiate and may be able to pursue negligent parties in addition to the hotel or vacation destination where you were injured.
Damages You May Recover in a Vacation Accident
Every accident is unique, which means we cannot offer an estimation of compensation without reviewing your specific case. However, there are certain types of damages we often see vacation accident victims recover, including:
- Medical bills
- On-going care bills
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
Call a Hotel Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
When you go on vacation, you expect to enjoy a relaxing time in a reasonably safe location. When a hotel or other destination fails to protect you, they can be held legally responsible for your injuries. You should not have to pay because of someone else’s negligence.
If you were injured on vacation, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is here to help. Our team offers honest, attentive legal guidance to help you recover damages for your injuries. Contact us today at 954-633-8270 for a free consultation about your case.
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