Sarasota.Law

Hotel and Resort
Injuries in Sarasota

    Your Guide to Slips, Pool Accidents, Food Poisoning, and More

    Sarasota’s hotels and resorts—like those along Siesta Key or downtown—promise relaxation, but accidents can turn your stay into a struggle. A slip in the lobby, a dive gone wrong in the pool, or a bad meal can leave you hurt, frustrated, and facing unexpected costs. Florida law holds property owners accountable, but these cases can get tricky. As Sarasota’s trusted attorney referral service, we connect you with top personal injury lawyers who know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. Learn your rights and take control—Get referred to a skilled hotel injury attorney today (#).

    Understanding Hotel and Resort Injuries

    Hotel and resort injuries fall under premises liability law in Florida, meaning owners must keep their properties safe for guests. As a tourist hub, Sarasota sees thousands of visitors yearly, and its hotels—from budget spots on U.S. 41 to luxe resorts near Lido Beach—face unique risks. Whether you’re an invitee (a paying guest), the duty is high, but proving fault can be a battle.

    Common Hotel and Resort Injuries and Florida Law

    From slippery floors to unsafe pools, here’s how injuries happen and what the law says:

    Slips and Falls (Wet Floors, Stairs)

    The Injury

    A wet lobby floor or a shaky stair rail—like at a busy Sarasota resort—can cause fractures, sprains, or head injuries.

    The Law

     Hotel owners must maintain safe conditions and warn guests of hazards they know or should know about (Florida Bar Premises Liability). You’ll need to prove negligence—like no “wet floor” sign after a spill.

    Sarasota Case

     A 2023 Florida hotel slip settled for $175,000 after a guest broke their hip—proof of ignored maintenance was key.

    Local Risk

     Rainy summers and crowded lobbies spike these incidents.

    Pool and Water Accidents

     

    The Injury

    Drowning, diving injuries, or slips near pools—like at a Siesta Key hotel—can lead to brain damage, spinal injuries, or death.

    The Law

    Owners must follow pool safety rules (e.g., fencing, lifeguards if required) and maintain equipment. Negligence—like a broken drain or no depth markers—triggers liability. Florida’s attractive nuisance doctrine may apply if kids are hurt.

    Stat

    Florida had 98 drowning deaths in 2022—hotels contribute to this toll.

    Sarasota Note

    Pool-heavy resorts here face heightened scrutiny.

    Food Poisoning

    The Injury

    Bad buffet food or contaminated drinks—like at a downtown hotel restaurant—can cause severe illness (e.g., salmonella, E. coli).

    The Law

    Hotels must meet food safety standards under Florida Statute 509.032. Negligence—like poor storage—lets you sue for medical costs and suffering.

    Real Case

    A 2021 Florida resort outbreak led to a $250,000 settlement for multiple guests—proof of negligence was critical.

    Local Fact

    Sarasota’s tourist dining scene sees occasional outbreaks.
    Bed Bugs and Unsanitary Conditions

    The Injury

    Bites or infections from bed bugs—like in a budget motel on U.S. 41—can cause itching, scarring, or emotional distress.

    The Law

    Hotels must provide sanitary conditions. Failure to inspect or treat infestations is negligence, opening PI claims.

    Sarasota Angle

    Older hotels here sometimes skimp on upkeep, raising risks.

    Example

    A 2022 Florida hotel case won $100,000 for bed bug trauma.

    Assaults and Security Failures

    The Injury

    Attacks in dimly lit parking lots or unsecured rooms—like near Fruitville Road—can lead to physical and emotional harm.

    The Law

    Hotels must provide reasonable security (e.g., locks, lighting). Negligent security lawsuits kick in if they fail, especially in high-crime areas.

    Stat

    Florida sees frequent negligent security claims—Sarasota’s tourist zones aren’t immune.

    Case

    A 2023 Miami hotel assault settled for $300,000 after poor lighting enabled a crime.
    Ten Essential Steps After an Injury – A Checklist

    Florida’s Premises Liability Rules

    Duty to Guests

    As invitees, hotels owe you the highest care—fixing hazards or warning you (Florida Statute 768.0755). Slip cases need proof they knew about the danger (e.g., spill sat too long).

    Comparative Negligence

    If you’re partly at fault (e.g., drunk by the pool), your payout drops by your fault percentage (Florida Statute 768.81). A 30% fault ruling means 70% of damages—our lawyers minimize this hit.

    Time Limit

    You’ve got four years to file a PI claim (Florida Statute 95.11), but act fast—evidence fades.

    What to Do After a Hotel or Resort Injury in Sarasota

    Injured on your stay? Take these steps:

    Get Medical Help

    Visit Sarasota Memorial or urgent care—documented injuries build your case.

    Report It

    Tell hotel staff ASAP—get their name, title, and an incident report copy.

    Snap Photos

    Capture the hazard (wet floor, pool edge, bug bites) and your injuries. Grab witness contacts—fellow guests can help.

    Save Record

    Keep medical bills, receipts (e.g., hotel stay), and a journal of pain or missed plans.

    Call an Attorney

    Hotels and their insurers fight hard—our experts prove negligence and push back.
    Don’t delay—evidence like security footage or spill cleanup logs can vanish.

    Mistakes That Hurt Your Case

    Avoid these traps:

    Skipping Medical Care

    No records? They’ll say you’re fine.

    Not Reporting

    No hotel report weakens your story.

    Missing Evidence

    No photos or witnesses make it your word against theirs.

    Talking to Hotel Insurers Solo

    They’ll twist your words to lowball you—let a lawyer handle it.

    Waiting Too Long

    Four years sounds long, but proof disappears fast.

    Getting the Settlement You Deserve

    Most hotel injury cases settle out of court, but you need a fighter:

    Experience

    Our network has won big—like a $300,000 negligent security payout in Florida.

    Specialization

    They know premises liability—not just general law.

    Clear Talk

    Plain answers, regular updates—no confusion.

    No Upfront Cost

    Contingency fees (33-40%) mean payment only if you win.

    Sarasota Edge

    Local tourism laws and insurers—they’ve got the playbook.
    Your settlement could cover medical bills, lost wages, ruined trips, and pain—our lawyers fight for it all.

    Quick Facts: Hotel and Resort Injuries in Sarasota

    Injury Type Key Rule
    Slips/Falls Prove hotel knew of hazard—negligence drives payout.
    Pool Accidents Safety violations (e.g., no fence) trigger liability.
    Food Poisoning Negligence in food handling—sue for full damages.
    Bed Bugs Unsanitary conditions mean PI claims.
    Assaults Negligent security—hotels liable if preventable.
    Time Limit 4 years to file—act fast.

    Injured at a Sarasota Hotel or Resort? We’ve Got Your Back

    A slip in a Lido Beach lobby, a pool dive gone wrong near St. Armands, or an assault at a Fruitville Road motel—you shouldn’t suffer in silence. Sarasota.law matches you with a top hotel injury attorney for free. Protect your rights and get the settlement you deserve—start here.