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Best Western hotels are used for business, pleasure, and everything in between. No matter why you’re staying at one of these hotels, the staff has a responsibility to keep the premises safe. If they fail to uphold that duty, you may get injured in a slip and fall accident. While getting the compensation you deserve from this type of accident can be difficult, a Best Western slip and fall lawyer in Georgia can make a huge difference.
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping slip and fall accident victims win the money they deserve for over 20 years. We can help you build a strong case and make sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Facts About Best Western in Georgia
Best Western Motels was founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin, and the founder was one of the first to advocate advertising lodging properties to the general public. The company soon grew to provide hotel services throughout the United States, and it eventually merged companies to create the “Best Western” brand.
Best Western Hotels & Resorts now has hotels in more than 100 counties and territories encompassing 18 different hotel brands, including Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, and BW Signature Collection.
As of 2020, there are 42 different Best Western hotel locations in Georgia, including in the cities of Atlanta, Augusta, Athens, Kennesaw, Helen, Macon, and Savannah.
Best Western’s Legal Duty in Georgia
In Georgia, anyone who owns or occupies property has a duty to maintain safe premises and approaches for those who are invited onto their property. If they do not keep the premises safe and someone gets injured, the owner or occupier is liable for damages. This is outlined under Georgia Code section 51-3-1.
Examples of how hotels like Best Western should exercise ordinary care of the property include:
- Keeping the grounds and floors free of hazards
- Fixing any damage on the property
- Cleaning up any spills on the floors
- Salting outside of the property during snowy or icy weather
- Make sure slippery surfaces around community pools are cleaned and maintained
- Putting out slip-resistant mats in shower areas
- Regularly checking for hazards and removing them as soon as possible
There are countless areas where slip and fall accidents may happen at a hotel, so the above are just a few examples. If you were injured after slipping and falling at Best Western and you suspect the staff was at fault for your injuries, you should speak with an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible.
While everyone has a personal responsibility to reasonably avoid hazards too, there are many slip and fall accidents that wouldn’t have happened if the hotel had been more careful. Many slip and fall victims are pleasantly surprised to find that they have a strong case.
Filing a Slip and Fall Case Against Best Western in Georgia
A lawyer can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your damages. This claim is filed with the company’s insurance company, and that’s where things often get tricky. Unfortunately, insurance companies can be incredibly difficult during a slip and fall case.
Here are some things you’ll need to do to prepare your case (and legally protect yourself) after a slip and fall accident at a Best Western.
Be Sure to Report the Slip and Fall Accident
After you slip and fall, you should immediately report the accident to the person on the property most responsible for the premises. This is typically the hotel manager.
Reporting the accident is vital because the longer you wait, the easier it is for the insurance company to question the legitimacy of your claim. Even waiting a day can really hurt your case, so report the accident right after it happens.
Take Photos at the Scene
If you are well enough after the accident to gather some evidence, the best thing you can do is take pictures. Use your phone to snap photos of the scene—and you cannot get too many.
The point of taking pictures is to show how the accident scene (and the hazard that caused you to fall) looked right after the accident—before it can be changed or cleaned up.
Get Witnesses’ Names
If there were any eyewitnesses to your accident, ask for their names and contact information. Having witness statements to support your case can be incredibly helpful.
Get Medical Attention
Don’t wait to get any medical attention you need, especially if it’s an emergency. If you wait too long to get treatment, the insurance company will assume that you were not hurt as badly as you’re claiming in your case. Thye can use this against you as a way to offer you a lower settlement.
Even if you feel okay after the accident, see a doctor to get checked out for injuries that might not be apparent yet. You should also:
- Attend all scheduled medical appointments
- Follow all of your doctor’s treatment advice and
- Make sure what you told your doctor(s) about your injuries is consistent with your claim
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Georgia
A lawyer can help you with all of the above and more. They will know what is most important to focus on in your case, and they will be prepared to fight for your rights. Contact an experienced lawyer for a consultation as soon as you can after your fall.
Talk to a Best Western Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer in Georgia for Free Today
Hotels like Best Western should act as your home away from home, not a place where you are at risk of serious injuries. Unfortunately, not all hotel staff are diligent enough to ensure their premises stay safe. If a hotel is negligent and you end up injured, you should not have to pay for the damages.
If you were hurt at a Best Western, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact John Foy & Associates for a FREE consultation today, and we’ll go over your best options (and how we can help you). Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE today.
