Connecticut’s tourism industry welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its hotels, resorts, and vacation properties. While most guests enjoy their stay without incident, accidents do happen—and when they do, determining who is responsible can be complicated. Whether someone slips by the pool, trips on uneven flooring, or suffers an injury due to poor security, Connecticut premises liability law plays a central role in whether a hotel or resort may be held legally accountable.

Here’s a detailed look at how premises liability works in these settings and what injured guests need to understand when considering a legal claim.

What Is Premises Liability in a Hospitality Setting?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s or occupier’s responsibility to maintain safe conditions for visitors. In the context of hotels and resorts, this duty extends to all areas of the property where guests are invited or expected to be—lobbies, stairwells, hallways, restaurants, pools, spas, gyms, and even parking areas.

Under Connecticut law, hotels and resorts owe a “duty of reasonable care” to invitees, meaning they must take reasonable steps to keep their premises free of hazards and to warn guests of dangers that are not obvious.

If an unsafe condition causes injury and the property owner knew or should have known about it and failed to correct it, the injured person may have a valid claim.

Common Causes of Injuries in Hotels and Resorts

Not all injuries at a hotel result in legal liability, but several common scenarios often lead to valid premises liability claims in Connecticut:

• Slip and Falls: Wet floors in lobbies, uneven carpeting, icy walkways, and slippery pool decks are frequent causes of injury.
  
• Elevator or Escalator Malfunctions: A defect or maintenance failure can result in serious harm.
  
• Poor Lighting: Dimly lit hallways or staircases can contribute to falls or even criminal activity.
  
• Inadequate Security: Resorts may be liable for assaults or thefts if they failed to provide adequate lighting, surveillance, or security personnel.
  
• Defective Furniture or Equipment: Collapsing chairs, broken beds, or malfunctioning gym equipment can all lead to injury.
  
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Drownings or injuries may occur due to poor supervision, lack of safety barriers, or faulty drains.
  

Each of these hazards represents a potential failure to maintain a reasonably safe environment.

Proving Negligence in a Connecticut Hotel Injury Case

Establishing liability in a premises injury case hinges on proving negligence. In Connecticut, four elements must be met:

1. Duty of Care: The hotel owed the guest a duty to maintain safe conditions.
   
2. Breach of Duty: The hotel failed to meet that standard by allowing or creating a hazardous condition.
   
3. Causation: The guest’s injury was directly caused by that hazard.
   
4. Damages: The injury resulted in measurable harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
   

Unlike some states, Connecticut does not automatically hold hotel owners liable for all guest injuries. Evidence must show that the hazard existed for long enough that staff should have noticed and addressed it, or that the risk was foreseeable and preventable with reasonable effort.

Comparative Fault in Connecticut

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means a guest who was partially at fault for their own injury can still recover compensation—so long as their share of the blame does not exceed 50%.

For example, if a guest ignores a clearly posted “wet floor” sign and slips, a jury may find them 40% responsible. If their total damages were $100,000, their compensation would be reduced by 40%, resulting in $60,000 in recoverable damages.

However, if a guest is found more than 50% at fault, they are barred from any recovery under state law.

Hotels’ Legal Obligations to Guests

Hotels in Connecticut must do more than simply respond to hazards—they are expected to actively inspect and maintain their property. Some of their obligations include:

• Conducting routine checks for spills, broken fixtures, or loose carpeting
  
• Ensuring emergency exits are accessible and compliant with safety codes
  
• Providing adequate lighting and surveillance in common areas
  
• Keeping walkways free of ice or debris
  
• Maintaining locks and security on guest room doors
  
• Following industry standards for pool safety and hot tub maintenance
  

Failure to meet these expectations may be used as evidence of negligence in a legal claim.

What to Do After an Injury at a Hotel or Resort

If you are injured while staying at a hotel or resort in Connecticut, taking the right steps early can protect your right to compensation:

• Report the Incident: Notify hotel management immediately and request a copy of the incident report.
  
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the hazard and your injuries if possible.
  
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injury seems minor, medical records can be key to proving damages.
  
• Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the incident, get their name and contact information.
  
• Avoid Giving Statements: Don’t sign anything or speak with insurance representatives until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
  

Prompt action not only protects your health—it strengthens your potential legal claim.

Statute of Limitations in Connecticut

Connecticut law gives injured individuals two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to take legal action within that window can result in your case being dismissed, regardless of its merits.

However, if the injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated, exceptions may apply. It’s wise to consult with an attorney well before the deadline to assess your options.

Conclusion

Injuries that occur at hotels and resorts can be more than just painful—they can lead to significant financial burdens and long-term consequences. In Connecticut, property owners are legally obligated to keep their premises safe for guests, and when they fail, they can be held accountable through a premises liability claim.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating a Premises Liability Claim in Connecticut can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.