Spring break is a time for relaxation, family, and fun. It is the last thing anyone expects for that vacation to be ruined by an unexpected and serious injury. Unfortunately, hotel stays and short-term rentals, while convenient, are not always perfectly safe.
If you are a Missouri resident who was injured while staying on someone else's property during your spring break getaway, you may be wondering what your rights are and what steps you need to take. At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we know that an injury can be overwhelming, and our team is here to guide you.
What is Premises Liability?
When you are an invited guest at a hotel, a rental property, or even a friend's vacation home, the property owner has a legal obligation to maintain a reasonably safe environment. The legal concept governing these types of claims is known as premises liability.
This means that owners must either fix dangerous conditions or provide adequate warning of them. Injuries often stem from negligent maintenance, which can include:
Slip and Falls: Wet floors, uneven pavement, or spills that are not promptly cleaned or marked.
Broken Amenities: Defective stair railings, faulty elevators, or poorly maintained pool areas.
Inadequate Security: Injuries caused by criminal acts that could have been prevented with reasonable security measures.
When an owner’s negligence leads to your injury, they should be held accountable. Our initial work focuses on investigating their actions—or inaction—to build a comprehensive and results-driven case on your behalf.
Your Immediate Steps After an Injury
Protecting your legal claim starts the moment the injury occurs. It is crucial to act decisively to document the incident while prioritizing your health.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Your health is the most important consideration. See a doctor right away, even if your injuries seem minor. A medical record from a health care professional immediately following the incident is not only vital for your well-being but is a critical piece of evidence that directly links your injuries to the property owner’s negligence.
2. Document Everything
If possible, use your phone to take photos and videos of the hazard that caused your injury before it is repaired.
The Scene: Get multiple angles of the broken step, wet floor, or other dangerous condition. Include markers like shoes or coins to show scale.
Your Injuries: Take pictures of any visible cuts, bruises, or swelling as soon as possible and throughout your recovery.
Witness Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of any witnesses who saw the incident or the dangerous condition beforehand.
3. Report the Incident
File a formal, written accident report with the hotel management or the rental property owner/management company. Keep a copy of this report for your records. Do not speculate about fault or sign anything that waives your right to pursue a claim.
Why Choose Our Pulaski County Premises Liability Lawyers
Insurance companies and property owners have their own attorneys focused on minimizing what they pay. To combat this, you need a legal team with a strong work ethic and proven courtroom experience.
At Lowe Dreesen Miller, we have a long track record of success in handling premises liability and personal injury claims. Our dedicated lawyers are always prepared to take a case to trial if that is what justice requires. Our compassionate approach means we manage the entire legal process—the relentless investigation, negotiation, and litigation—so that you can focus solely on your physical and financial recovery.
If a spring break injury has left you dealing with medical bills and lost wages, don’t hesitate to seek counsel. Protect your right to full and fair compensation. Call us at (573) 888-8888 now.