Were you or a loved one injured while attending a trade show, wedding, conference, or another occasion at a venue such as a club, resort or hotel in Springfield? If you can prove that the venue owner was negligent and failed to prevent the incident that caused the injury, you might have grounds to file a civil lawsuit. The owners of such facilities have to take reasonable care to protect guests from harm.
Taking reasonable care involves regular inspections to assess the safety of the facility, equipment and furniture. The venue owner must also see that service and preparation areas for food and beverages are clean. Also, employees should undergo background checks and receive adequate training and supervision, and the facility managers must ensure that necessary measures for building security are in place. The failure to meet any of these standards could indicate negligence.
Security
Guest safety is the responsibility of the owner of the hospitality venue, and neglect in the following security matters could risk your safety:
- No security guards or insufficient presence of security guards
- Staff without identification
- Uncontrolled access of unauthorized people to the venue
- Broken or absent locks
- Insufficient lighting in hallways, stairwells and parking lots
Surveillance cameras and the presence of professional security personnel might limit your chances of being attacked or molested while attending the function.
Slip-and-fall accidents
If any of the following slip-and-fall hazards caused your injuries, you might have grounds to sue:
- Wet spots on the floors from leaks in ceilings or pipes
- Janitorial work without posted warnings
- Random objects or debris on walkways or stairs
- Broken or insecure hand railings
- Electrical extension cords snaking across the floor
If you attend a trade show or any occasion where presenters use speakers or other electronic equipment, the venue owner must ensure that the equipment installation poses no dangers and that electrical cords are safely laid and taped down.
Food and beverage safety
The venue owner must meet the food preparation, hygiene, and cleanliness standards of the hospitality industry, regardless of whether food is prepared on-site or brought in by caterers. Unhygienic food handling can cause food-borne illnesses. The service of alcohol also needs strict control. Venue owners must ensure that alcohol is not served to minors or guests who are obviously intoxicated already.
Do you have grounds to sue?
Premises liability is a complicated field of the law. For that reason, it is sensible to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you have to deal with the consequences of a venue owner’s negligence in Ohio. A lawyer can assess the circumstances and navigate the ensuing legal proceedings in pursuit of economic and noneconomic damage recovery.