When travelers visiting Houston check into a local hotel, they naturally expect a secure and safe environment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Guests can find themselves the victims of violent crimes, including assault, theft, or worse, from somebody who broke into the hotel lobby or even their room. This often is the result of inadequate security measures taken by the hotel.
Negligent security is a form of premises liability. This means the hotel’s owners and managers are legally accountable if they fail to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their guests and somebody gets hurt as a result.
Steps hotels can take to enhance guest safety
To maintain a secure environment and protect their guests, hotels can implement several reasonable safety measures:
- Keep entrances locked during late hours
- Install and monitor security cameras around the property
- Ensure the front desk is staffed at all times
- Maintain functional locks on all guest room doors
- Provide adequate lighting in hallways and parking areas
- Train staff to recognize and respond to security threats
Tactics like these cannot absolutely guarantee there will be no violence in a hotel. But they minimize the risk and keep guests reasonably safe.
The effects of negligent hotel security
Depending on the nature of the assault, victims can suffer physical injuries ranging from black eyes and cuts to brain injuries and bullet wounds. The emotional and psychological impact can also be profound, affecting victims long after the physical injuries have healed.
In Texas, victims of such incidents can seek compensation through personal injury claims. These claims may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the assault. The aim is to restore the victim to the financial position they were in before the incident as much as possible.
Seeking justice with the right help
Regardless of whether you reside in Texas or elsewhere, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for an incident that occurred in Houston necessitates the expertise of a Texas attorney. A Houston-based lawyer licensed to practice in Texas can handle your claim and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.