When you’re at a resort, the last thing you want to think about is potentially getting hurt. Companies that own and operate resorts are tasked with creating a fun atmosphere while keeping guests and workers safe. If a resort fails to maintain safety on its premises, someone can get injured, and the injured party may sue the resort in civil court. The following tips will help resort owners remain proactive about protecting their properties from potential lawsuits.
Table of Contents
Don’t Forget to Warn
Resorts have all sorts of hidden hazards. Guests may be exposed to excessively hot coffee, tea, and dinner plates while dining at an onsite restaurant. Areas around the resort’s pools can pose a slipping hazard when wet. Swimmers should be notified of shallow areas in the pool where diving is unsafe. Anytime a potential hazard emerges in a designated guest area, resorts have a legal duty to warn guests of the hazard. Posting a warning sign is often sufficient. However, in some cases, the resort may be required to take additional steps to protect guests by physically blocking guest access to the area.
Invest in Security
Resorts may be liable for violent crimes that occur on their property. It’s important that every resort owner invest in security measures that may include hiring trained officers, installing the appropriate security fences for the resort’s location, and installing a capable video monitoring system. Having a security system in place will serve as a deterrent for crime, and this will help protect a presort from a potential lawsuit.
Clean Up Spills
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most frequent causes of injury in businesses and other public spaces. They often result from hazards like spills on walkways, loose rugs or carpets, cracked or uneven flooring, wet or icy outdoor areas, or poor lighting in stairwells.
Correcting a slipping hazard as soon as you or a member of your team notices it may prevent a serious accident from happening on your property. If the hazard can’t be corrected immediately, the property has a duty to effectively inform the visitors and employees of the dangerous condition.
Perform Maintenance and Repairs As Needed
For resort managers, the pressure to remain on top of maintenance and repair needs is especially high. Guests expect all furnishings and amenities to remain in top aesthetic condition, in addition to working properly. Getting behind on your maintenance can mean exposing guests and workers to risks. Conducting routine inspections and creating a maintenance schedule are two critical steps you can take to ensure you are always aware of the condition of your property and its furnishings.
Whether your guests are looking for a mountain retreat or a beach getaway, their safety is what matters most. If an accident happens and the injured party files a lawsuit, the court will want to know what safety measures you had in place. Get ahead of the curve by routinely examining your safety protocols and the overall condition of your resort. Taking a proactive approach can protect your bottom line and your resort’s reputation and perceived integrity.
