Hotels are meant to be a place of comfort and relaxation for guests, providing a home away from home when either work or play requires or otherwise warrants one. However, when it comes to safety and security, not all hotels are created equal.
Negligent security practices can pose significant risks to guests, compromising their well-being and peace of mind.
What is negligent security?
Negligent security in a hotel refers to a situation where the owners or management fail to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of its guests and visitors. Negligent security can involve:
- Insufficient surveillance equipment: When a hotel lacks proper security cameras (or fails to maintain them), that makes it difficult to monitor and detect potential threats to guests or criminal activities on the premises.
- Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit areas in and around the hotel, such as parking lots, hallways or back entrances, can create an unsafe environment for guests who are just trying to get to their cars or rooms.
- Faulty locks: Defective or improperly maintained door locks, windows and hotel entry points aside from the main door can make it easier for unauthorized individuals to gain access to guests’ rooms or the hotel’s facilities.
- Poorly trained staff: Hotel staff members should be properly trained to identify and respond appropriately to potential security threats, such as suspicious individuals or behavior.
- Negligent hiring practices: If a hotel fails to conduct thorough background checks of its employees, it may unknowingly hire individuals with criminal records or a history of violence who may prey on guests.
- Insufficient emergency preparedness: Every hotel should have a clear emergency response plan, including procedures for handling situations like fires and other natural disasters. That keeps guests safe even in crisis situations.
- Failure to warn guests of known risks: If the hotel is aware of potential security risks on the premises (such as a recent string of room invasions or gang activity in the parking lot), it has a duty to warn guests about these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
If your dream vacation to Missouri turned into a nightmare due to injuries that could have been prevented if the hotel security had been better, it may be time to find out more about your legal options.