Hotels are supposed to be safe places to rest, recharge, and enjoy yourself. Whether you were in town for a wedding, work event, or weekend getaway, the last thing you expected was a trip to the ER because someone didn’t fix a loose stair rail, failed to mop a wet floor, or hired negligent security staff.
Unfortunately, these aren’t rare occurrences. Every year, travelers across Michigan suffer serious injuries due to hotel negligence—and many never hold anyone accountable. But you don’t have to be one of them.
At Marko Law, we fight hard—and we don’t back down. Our trial attorneys know how to take on major hotel chains, local inns, and corporate insurers who try to dodge responsibility when guests get hurt. Whether your injury involved a slip and fall, broken balcony, elevator accident, or even an assault due to poor security, we’re here to get answers, get justice, and get you paid.
Michigan Premises Liability Law & Hotels
Under Michigan premises liability law, hotel operators have a clear legal duty to protect guests from harm. As a guest, you are considered an “invitee”—someone on the property for the hotel’s benefit. That status means you’re owed the highest level of care under the law. If the property owner fails to live up to that obligation and you get hurt, they can be held civilly liable.
Legal Duty of Hotels: Inspection, Warning, and Repair
Hotels in Michigan are legally required to:
- Inspect the entire property regularly for hazardous conditions—this includes floors, lighting, staircases, elevators, pools, fitness rooms, and parking lots.
- Repair or remove hazards as quickly as possible. That includes things like:
- Leaky ceilings or spilled liquids
- Broken steps, loose railings, or faulty carpeting
- Non-functioning lights in hallways or stairwells
- Unsecure balconies or window locks
- Warn guests of known dangers if immediate repair isn’t possible—like using wet floor signs or restricting access to dangerous areas.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Hotel Injuries?
Hotel Owners and Managers
The primary duty of care falls on the hotel’s ownership and management. Whether it’s a luxury resort or a roadside motel, the entity that controls the property is responsible for:
- Ensuring safe conditions
- Performing routine inspections
- Hiring competent staff
- Enforcing safety policies
Cleaning and Maintenance Companies
Many hotels contract out janitorial and repair work. If a third-party cleaner leaves wet floors without signage, or if a maintenance crew ignores broken staircases or faulty handrails, that company can be sued for negligence.
We look at service logs, contracts, and video surveillance to trace liability back to the right source.
Security Contractors
If you were assaulted, robbed, or injured due to inadequate hotel security, the hotel may not be the only one to blame. Security firms that failed to:
- Monitor cameras
- Patrol common areas
- Properly vet staff
- Address previous incidents
…can be held liable under Michigan’s negligent security laws.
Elevator and Escalator Maintenance Crews
Elevator accidents are often linked to malfunctioning components, poor upkeep, or inspection failures. Hotels may contract this work to outside companies—and when they cut corners or skip proper servicing, they’re putting lives at risk.
We subpoena maintenance records and safety inspection reports to uncover the truth.
Architects, Engineers, or Construction Companies
If your injury stemmed from a structural defect—like a collapsing balcony, failing stairwell, or unsafe handrail—liability may extend to:
- The designer or engineer who drafted faulty blueprints
- The construction company that failed to follow codes
- The property owner who ignored known defects
These claims often involve complex legal standards and expert testimony. Marko Law brings in the specialists and builds a case that stands up in court.
What to Do After a Hotel Injury
Report the Incident to Hotel Management
Immediately inform hotel staff and demand a written incident report. This creates an official paper trail and forces them to acknowledge the injury.
- Be clear and detailed
- Note time, location, and what caused the injury
- Ask for a copy or photo of the report
Take Photos of the Hazard and Your Injuries
Evidence disappears fast. Cleaners mop up. Broken steps get fixed. Act quickly:
- Photograph the hazard (wet floor, broken furniture, etc.)
- Snap pictures of your injuries
- Take wide shots of the surrounding area
Get Witness Information
Were there other guests or staff who saw what happened? Get their names, numbers, and statements.
Witnesses can confirm:
- The hotel’s negligence
- Lack of warning signs
- Your visible injuries at the scene
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel “okay,” get checked out. Adrenaline masks injuries, and insurance companies will use any delay in treatment against you.
Keep all:
- ER records
- Doctor’s notes
- Bills and receipts
- Discharge instructions
Contact Marko Law Before Speaking to Insurance
Hotel insurers and lawyers are trained to get you to slip up. Do not give a statement, sign anything, or accept money without speaking to your attorney.
At Marko Law, we step in to:
- Handle all communication
- Preserve evidence
- Launch a full investigation
- Fight aggressively for maximum compensation
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Medical Expenses
From the moment you’re injured, the bills start piling up. You can seek compensation for:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Surgery and follow-up care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Long-term treatment and medication
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injury kept you out of work—or forced you to change careers—you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost opportunities or contracts (especially for traveling professionals)
- Reduced earning capacity due to lasting injury
Pain and Suffering
The law allows compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, and life disruption caused by your injury. Whether it’s:
- Chronic pain
- Fear of traveling again
- PTSD or sleepless nights
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
Some hotel injuries leave permanent damage—spinal injuries, head trauma, severe burns, or mobility loss. We pursue damages for:
- Life-altering limitations
- Need for home modifications
- Disfigurement or visible scars
Wrongful Death Damages (If Fatal)
If your loved one died due to a hotel’s negligence, you may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional grief of surviving family
- Lost future income and support
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence, cover-ups, or reckless conduct—like ignoring repeated complaints or failing to fix a known hazard—courts may award punitive damages to punish the hotel and deter future harm.
Hotel Injury Cases We Handle
Slips and Falls in Common Areas or Bathrooms
Unmarked wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven tiles can turn a simple walk through the lobby into a life-altering fall. We pursue claims for:
- Fractures
- Head injuries
- Spinal damage
- Lost mobility
Pool Accidents and Drownings
Hotels have a duty to maintain safe pool areas—with proper signage, non-slip surfaces, functioning drains, and adequate supervision. When they fail, accidents can result in:
- Drowning or near-drowning
- Chemical burns
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Head trauma from diving
Assaults Due to Negligent Security
If you were attacked on hotel property, we investigate:
- Broken locks or unsecured entrances
- Lack of surveillance or trained guards
- Prior incidents that went ignored
Falls from Broken Furniture or Beds
Injuries from collapsing chairs, broken bed frames, or unstable furniture are more common than most people think. These can cause:
- Concussions
- Back and neck injuries
- Cuts, bruises, or broken bones
Elevator or Escalator Malfunctions
A jolt, drop, or door malfunction can lead to serious injury. We’ve handled cases involving:
- Crushed limbs
- Entrapment trauma
- Severe falls
- System failures due to poor maintenance
Scalding from Faulty Water Systems
Defective water heaters or poorly regulated plumbing can lead to:
- Severe burns
- Hospitalization
- Long-term skin damage
Exposure to Hazardous Materials or Pests
Guests have a right to clean, sanitary environments. We take legal action in cases involving:
- Mold exposure
- Bed bug infestations
- Chemical cleaning product injuries
- Carbon monoxide leaks
Hold the Hotel Accountable
You didn’t go on vacation to fight a legal battle. You didn’t check into that hotel expecting to check into the ER. But now that you’ve been hurt—you need a fighter in your corner.
At Marko Law, we don’t let corporations hide behind fine print, finger-pointing, or faceless insurance reps. When a hotel fails to provide a safe environment, we call it what it is: negligence. And we go after them—hard.
These are more than cases. They’re people’s lives. And we don’t back down until those lives are given the respect, dignity, and compensation they deserve.
Hotels spend a lot on lawyers. That’s why you need one of your own—and not just any lawyer. You need a trial-tested legal team that knows Michigan law inside and out and isn’t afraid to take powerful companies to court.
Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation
📞 Phone: 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com
Marko Law Will Give You A Voice
At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.
- Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
- Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
- Free, confidential consultations — you don’t pay unless we win
- Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan
Ready to make your voice heard?
We’re not here to play games. We’re here to win.