Can You Sue a Disney Hotel After a Slip and Fall Accident?
Disney World is often called “The Happiest Place on Earth.” And for many, it is. But, unfortunately, many have come to associate it with bad memories as they have been involved in accidents on the property, causing them injuries and pain. Disney is one of the most powerful companies in the world, so is there anything you can do when you are injured in a slip and fall at one of their hotels? Is there no chance of getting a fair settlement for your claim?
Disney Hotel Liability
Just because you slipped or fell and hurt yourself at a Disney resort does not mean that you are legally entitled to receive money from them. Disney is not in the habit of giving handouts; no large corporation is. But, as long as you can prove that Disney was negligent and that their negligence directly led to your injuries, then you have a very good chance of getting a settlement offer from them. There are no cut-and-dry slip and fall cases where you are guaranteed money. The variables of each case are unique, and legal counsel will help you determine whether you have a case. Generally, there are two key things to consider:
- If Disney hotel employees knew about the dangerous conditions which caused your accident and failed to address them before you got hurt
- If they had a reasonable opportunity to remedy the hazards or had a reasonable amount of control over them
For instance, if there was a sizable puddle of water on a slick tile surface in the lobby and guest had informed them of it 30 minutes before you slipped on it, they could be reasonably responsible for your accident. But, there could be mitigating factors in this scenario which could hurt your case. If you clearly noticed the puddle or told employees about it and then slipped, that could let them off the hook. Or, if another guest was dripping wet right in front of you and you stepped in the water 20 seconds later, Disney had almost no control to clean it up before your accident.
What to Do After the Slip and Fall
Obviously, if you have been badly hurt and require immediate medical attention, that is your primary concern. But, it is good to gather as much information as possible about the event to give yourself the best chance in court. In general, the less you say, the less you can damage your case. Stick to the facts and wait to speak with a lawyer before you have any further talks with Disney employees. Here are some other steps you should take after the accident:
- Get pictures of the hazard if possible
- Record contact information of nearby witnesses including Disney employees
- Fill out an official injury report for Disney
- Look for any warning signs about the hazard nearby
Most importantly, you need to contact a lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury cases. As natives of the Orlando area, the experienced attorneys at The Troutman Law Firm are well-equipped to assist you in your case against Disney. To see if you have a case, come speak with us during a free initial consultation. Schedule yours by calling 407-647-5002.