When you are looking for a hotel, you likely look at the amenities available. Is there a swimming pool? A workout room? Easy access to highways or attractions? As important as these features can be, the most important features can be those that you would never notice.
For example, safety inside the hotel may never even cross your mind and you might assume all hotels are safe. Unfortunately, this is not the case; there are instances when a guest or hotel worker is injured due to failed maintenance on the premises. One area where this negligence can prove to be particularly devastating is in the hotel elevators.
Elevators are essential in hotels. Guests often travel with luggage they’d rather not carry up the stairs and hotel employees must transport food, cleaning supplies and other materials between floors on a regular basis. Further, there are many people who cannot use stairs and rely on the availability of an elevator.
Because of how important elevators are and how frequently they are used, it is crucial that they are designed, installed, maintained and repaired properly and in accordance with the Florida Elevator Safety Act.
For example, in order for an elevator to be installed or altered, a permit must first be obtained. Inspections must be completed by a certified inspector in order to ensure compliance with building and safety codes. Further, there are rules for call buttons, support rails and interior materials that must be used.
Should there be an accident where a person is injured in an elevator or if the elevator malfunctions, it will be crucial to identify the cause of the accident. Based on these findings, it may be established that a non-compliant or negligent party is to be blamed for the damages resulting from the incident.
If you have been injured in a hotel elevator, it can be crucial that you understand your legal options. An attorney familiar with Florida premises and hotel liability laws can help answer your questions and identify your options for filing a claim for compensation against the party responsible for the accident and your injuries.