Hotels, bars and restaurants can be incredibly busy places, given the level of activity which occurs. From deliveries to the kitchen and bar to room cleaning routines, such establishments have high levels of activity occurring at all times of the day. In addition, there is usually a steady stream of guests at check in and check out times.
Under Pennsylvania law, guests of a hotel, bar or restaurant are considered “invitees.” An invitee is someone who is invited onto a premises for the benefit and business of the owner or operator. Because “invitees” are present for the benefit of the business owner, the owner is required to perform some basic duties with respect to the premises. Hotel, bar and restaurant owners and operators are required to:
- provide reasonably safe and secure accommodations/premises,
- conduct reasonable inspections of the premises for slip and fall or trip and fall dangers, and
- correct or warn of hazards.
What Constitutes Negligence in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotel, Bar or Restaurant Accident Case?
There is no hard and fast rule with respect to what determines negligence in a slip and fall or trip and fall case. The facts of a given case will determine whether an establishment was negligent. However, some of the following circumstances may amount to negligence:
- leaving spilled liquid or food on the floor for long periods of time,
- use of improper cleaning materials making walkways too slippery,
- failure to address known tripping hazards,
- negligent carpet maintenance,
- negligent placement of mats in inclement weather,
- use of improper mats in inclement weather,
- water accumulation due to known plumbing or roof issues,
- poor floor traction in high traffic areas, or
- failure to correct broken concrete on sidewalks and walkways.
Slip and falls or trip and falls can cause significant injury, such as broken bones or head injury. Hotels, bars and restaurant owners are often only one of multiple defendants who may be liable in an accident case in Philadelphia. Other parties liable may include maintenance companies or other contractors. Proper investigation is important to ensure full recovery in a serious accident case.
Related:
- New Jersey Store & Business Liability for Crimes Committed Against Customers
- New Jersey Bar & Restaurant Liability for Negligently Serving Alcohol
To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey accident lawyers, call (215) 399-9255. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
**This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is crucial to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.