If you slipped on a wet casino floor in Atlantic City or tripped over uneven carpet in a South Jersey hotel, you may be asking yourself: Do I have a case? Who’s responsible for my injuries? These are valid concerns. At the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff, we’ve seen how quickly a vacation or weekend getaway can turn into months of pain, medical bills, and stress.
This article explains what steps you should take if you’re hurt at a hotel or casino, what New Jersey law requires from property owners, and how to protect your rights moving forward.
Why Hotel and Casino Injuries Happen
Hotels and casinos owe their guests a duty of care. When property owners or operators fail to keep their premises reasonably safe, accidents can happen. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs.
- Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or gaming areas.
- Torn or uneven carpeting.
- Broken handrails or unsafe staircases.
- Overcrowded or poorly monitored areas.
- Negligent security leading to assaults or other harm.
Even something as simple as a spilled drink left unattended on a busy casino floor can create a dangerous hazard.
New Jersey Premises Liability Law: What It Means for You
Under New Jersey law, hotels and casinos must take reasonable steps to protect their guests from foreseeable harm. This includes:
- Regular inspections of the property to identify hazards.
- Prompt repairs or removal of dangerous conditions.
- Clear warnings when hazards can’t be fixed right away.
- Adequate security to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.
If a property fails to meet these obligations and you’re injured as a result, you may have a premises liability claim.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Injury
Protecting your health and your case starts right away:
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries take hours or days to fully appear, and immediate medical records are crucial evidence.
- Report the incident to hotel or casino management and request a copy. This creates a paper trail to help minimize disputes later.
- Document the scene with photos and videos. Include hazards, warning signs (or the lack of them), and your injuries.
- Collect witness information if others saw what happened. Independent accounts strengthen your case.
- Preserve evidence beyond photos. Keep shoes or clothing worn at the time, and ask your attorney about requesting surveillance footage, since casinos often record video that can be deleted quickly.
- Save all receipts, medical bills, and records tied to the accident. These demonstrate the financial impact of your injury.
- Avoid posting about your accident on social media. Posts can be taken out of context and used against you.
- Speak with an Atlantic City personal injury lawyer before signing any paperwork from the property or its insurer. Settling too early may cost you full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel and Casino Injury Claims in New Jersey
1. Do I need to report the accident to hotel or casino staff right away?
Yes. Reporting the incident ensures there is an official record of what happened. Ask for a written copy of the report and keep it with your records.
2. What if I didn’t notice my injury until after I left the property?
This is common. Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, don’t show symptoms immediately. You should still seek medical care as soon as you notice pain, and consult an attorney who can investigate the circumstances.
3. Can I still bring a claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes. New Jersey follows comparative negligence rules. As long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages, though your award could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
4. Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many premises liability cases resolve through negotiation or settlement with the insurance company. That being said, the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff prepares every case as if it could go to trial, which often encourages fairer settlements.
5. How long do I have to file a claim?
In New Jersey, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to pursue compensation.
Who May Be Liable for a Hotel or Casino Injury
Determining responsibility in these cases is not always straightforward. Liability may fall on several parties, including the hotel or casino’s management, the property owner, outside security contractors, or even maintenance or cleaning companies. Sorting out which parties are accountable often requires careful investigation. An attorney can identify all responsible parties and help ensure that no source of compensation is overlooked.
What Hotels and Casinos Must Disclose
Many guests don’t realize that property owners have legal obligations to disclose certain conditions:
- If a hazard cannot be fixed immediately, a visible warning sign or barrier must be placed.
- Safety codes (such as building, fire, and accessibility codes) must be followed.
- Prior complaints or recurring hazards (like leaks or faulty elevators) must be addressed promptly.
If management failed to disclose a known danger, that can strengthen your claim.
Your Rights and Legal Options
When negligence causes your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced South Jersey premises liability lawyer can investigate whether the hotel or casino knew, or should have known, about the hazard that caused your injury.
Protecting Yourself After a Hotel or Casino Injury
Being injured at a hotel or casino in South Jersey can feel overwhelming. You may be unsure if you have a valid claim, or worried about taking on a large corporation. Remember: you don’t have to face this alone.
At the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff, we help injury victims in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway, and across South Jersey hold negligent property owners accountable. We approach every case with compassion and determination, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hotel or casino, reach out today for a free consultation. Let us answer your questions, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.