Hotel Liability for Criminal Acts
Is a Hotel Responsible if I am the Victim of a Crime on Their Property?
If you are a victim of a crime on hotel property, under most circumstances a hotel is not liable for your injuries. Many states have laws that prevent a hotel from being liable for acts that are outside of the hotel's control. However, a hotel is often at least partially liable for criminal acts committed by others because inadequate measures were taken to protect their guests.
What Kind of Measures Do Hotels Need to Take to Avoid Liability?
A hotel needs to provide adequate measures to protect the safety of their guests. Otherwise, a hotel will usually be considered to have acted in a negligent manner. Inadequate measures often include:
- Able to anticipate criminal acts: If the hotel should have been aware that it is in a high crime area or knows that many crimes occur on their property, then the hotel needs to take adequate steps to protect their guests. For example, installation of cameras or hiring security guards may be required.
- Failure to warn: At the very least, the hotel should provide you with a warning if it is located in a high crime area.
- Failure to properly maintain property: Sometimes criminals will break into rooms with faulty door locks or pry open easy access windows. Hotels are under a duty to ensure that these things and other items are properly maintained.
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots or hallways.
What if My Vehicle is Stolen on Hotel Property?
Automobile crimes (e.g., car vandalism, car theft) are often evaluated differently than other crimes that occur on hotel property. As long as a hotel exercises reasonable care to protect your vehicles, the hotel will not be liable for any theft. For example, providing adequate lighting or posting warning signs in the parking lot may be enough to show reasonable care.
What Should I Do if I am a Victim of a Crime on Hotel Property?
The first thing to do is to contact the police and report the crime. Next, consult an attorney to assess if the hotel you were staying at was negligent. An experienced attorney will be able to determine if the hotel has violated any of its legal duties and must compensate you for loss of property or personal injury.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 05-06-2011 01:33 PM PDT
