Falls in hotels and holiday resorts

Hotels and holiday resorts are designed to be places of comfort and relaxation, yet accidents still happen. Falls are among the most common incidents reported in these environments, often caused by poor maintenance, unsafe facilities, or lack of proper supervision. What should be a restful break or business trip can quickly be disrupted by an injury that leaves lasting consequences.

At Marley Solicitors, we regularly support clients who have suffered falls in hotels and holiday resorts. Our solicitors provide clear guidance, help gather the necessary evidence, and pursue fair compensation for those affected.

Common causes of falls in hotels and resorts

Hotels and resorts must uphold strict health and safety standards to protect guests. When those standards are not met, accidents become far more likely. Typical causes of falls include:

• Wet or slippery floors near pools, bathrooms, or entrances
• Poorly lit stairways or corridors that make hazards difficult to spot
• Damaged flooring, broken tiles, or loose carpeting
• Uneven pathways or cracked paving stones in outdoor areas
• Cluttered walkways or obstacles left in guest areas
• Faulty balconies, handrails, or steps

Guests expect hotels and resorts to be maintained to a safe standard. When hazards are ignored, accidents are preventable but still occur.

Typical injuries from falls in hotels and resorts

The injuries caused by falls can range from mild to life changing. Common examples include:

• Broken bones, particularly in wrists, hips, or ankles
• Sprains and ligament injuries in knees or shoulders
• Back and spinal injuries that may lead to long-term mobility issues
• Head injuries, including concussion or trauma from striking the ground
• Cuts, abrasions, and bruising from sharp or rough surfaces

In some cases, recovery may require surgery, extended medical care, or rehabilitation, leaving the injured person facing both physical and financial challenges.

Duty of care in hotels and resorts

Hotel owners and resort operators have a clear duty of care to protect their guests. This responsibility includes:

• Regularly inspecting facilities for hazards
• Repairing damage such as loose carpets or broken tiles quickly
• Providing adequate lighting in all guest areas
• Ensuring pools, spas, and leisure areas are supervised and safe
• Training staff to follow safety procedures
• Displaying warning signs when temporary hazards exist

When this duty is breached and a guest suffers injury, they may be entitled to compensation.

Proving liability after a fall

To succeed in a hotel or resort accident claim, it must be shown that the owner or operator failed in their duty of care. Evidence helps demonstrate what went wrong and supports the claim. Useful forms of evidence include:

• Photographs of the hazard that caused the accident
• CCTV footage, where available
• Witness statements from staff or other guests
• Accident book entries or incident reports completed at the time
• Medical records confirming the injury

At Marley Solicitors, we assist clients in gathering and presenting this evidence clearly, ensuring that claims are built on strong foundations.

Compensation for falls in hotels and holiday resorts

Compensation is intended to reflect both the physical and financial impact of an accident. The amount awarded depends on the severity of the injury and its consequences. Typical heads of claim include:

• General damages for pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
• Special damages covering medical expenses, travel, or accommodation changes
• Lost earnings where time off work is required
• Future financial losses if the injury affects long-term employment
• Costs of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or care support

Our solicitors ensure that every aspect of harm is properly considered, so clients receive compensation that meets their needs.

Time limits for making a claim

In most cases, claims for accidents in hotels or resorts must be started within three years of the incident. In some situations, this time limit begins when the injury is first linked to the accident. For children, the three-year period starts on their 18th birthday.

If the accident occurred abroad, local time limits may apply, and these can be shorter than in the UK. Seeking early legal advice is essential to avoid missing key deadlines.

What to do after a fall in a hotel or resort

Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can protect your health and your legal position. The most important actions include:

1. Seek medical treatment to ensure your injuries are recorded.
2. Report the accident to hotel or resort staff and request that it is logged in their accident book.
3. Take photographs of the hazard and the surrounding area.
4. Gather details of witnesses who saw the accident.
5. Keep receipts for expenses such as medical treatment, taxis, or cancelled bookings.
6. Contact a solicitor for advice on whether you can bring a claim.

By following these steps, you strengthen your chances of a successful claim.

No win no fee hotel accident claims

Many clients are concerned about the cost of legal action. At Marley Solicitors, claims for falls in hotels and resorts can often be handled on a no win no fee basis. This means you will not have to pay legal fees if the claim does not succeed.

A no win no fee arrangement allows injured people to pursue justice without fear of financial risk, ensuring access to fair representation.

How Marley Solicitors can help

Our personal injury team has extensive experience with claims involving accidents in hotels and resorts. We understand how disruptive these incidents can be, especially when they happen on holiday or during a business trip.

When you choose Marley Solicitors, you can expect:

• Clear, honest advice about the strength of your claim
• Support with gathering and presenting the right evidence
• Skilled negotiation with insurers and hotel representatives
• Court representation where necessary

We are committed to achieving fair outcomes while making the process as straightforward as possible.

Final thoughts

Falls in hotels and holiday resorts can turn a much-anticipated break into a stressful and painful experience. Injuries may require medical treatment, cause time away from work, or result in long-term recovery. Hotel and resort owners have a clear duty to keep their premises safe, and when they fail, guests are entitled to seek compensation.

At Marley Solicitors, we provide expert support for clients across the UK who have suffered falls in hotels and resorts. Whether the injury is minor or severe, our team is here to guide you through the claims process. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step towards compensation.