Hotel and Motel Liability in Abilene: Injuries Beyond the Pool

Hotel and Motel Liability in Abilene: Injuries Beyond the Pool

When travelers check into a hotel or motel in Abilene or anywhere across the Big Country, they expect a safe and comfortable stay. Whether they’re visiting for business, a sporting event, or a weekend getaway, guests trust that property owners and managers will keep the premises well-maintained and hazard-free.

But serious injuries can happen anywhere on hotel property—not just at the swimming pool. From broken staircases to inadequate lighting, negligent security, or unsafe flooring, hotel and motel accidents are more common than most people realize.

When negligence leads to an injury, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Understanding how hotel liability works in Texas and knowing what steps to take after an accident can make all the difference.

This article explores common hotel and motel hazards, how liability works under Texas law, and how Low Law Firm helps injured guests pursue justice.

The Responsibility of Hotels and Motels in Texas

Under Texas premises liability law, hotels and motels owe guests a duty of care. This means property owners must regularly inspect and maintain their premises to prevent foreseeable harm. Guests—legally considered invitees—are entitled to safe conditions in common areas such as lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, parking lots, walkways, fitness rooms, dining areas, and guest rooms.

When a property owner fails to fix hazards, warn of dangerous conditions, or provide adequate security, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries. You can review Texas statutes at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

Common Causes of Hotel and Motel Injuries

Hotel accidents can happen anywhere on the property, and the causes often trace back to simple neglect. Some of the most frequent hazards include:

Slips, trips, and falls. Spilled drinks, freshly mopped floors without warning signs, loose carpeting, and uneven pavement can all lead to severe injuries such as fractures, concussions, and back trauma.

Faulty stairs and railings. Poorly maintained staircases and handrails are a leading cause of accidents, especially in older properties.

Defective elevators and escalators. Malfunctions, sudden stops, or missed inspections can cause neck, knee, or back injuries. For general safety regulation resources, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at tdlr.texas.gov.

Poor lighting. Dim hallways, stairwells, and parking areas increase the risk of both accidents and crime.

Negligent security. Failure to secure entrances, install surveillance, or employ trained staff may expose guests to assaults or thefts.

Foodborne illness. Unsanitary kitchen conditions or improper handling can make guests sick. General consumer resources are available at texas.gov.

Electrical and fire hazards. Outdated wiring, overloaded outlets, or neglected smoke alarms can result in shocks or fires. For public health and safety guidance, see dshs.texas.gov.

Injuries That Commonly Occur at Hotels

The types of injuries sustained in hotel or motel incidents range from minor to catastrophic. Common injuries include fractures and sprains, traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, burns and smoke inhalation, lacerations from broken fixtures, and emotional trauma following assault or robbery.

Even a seemingly minor fall can have major consequences, particularly for older adults or those with pre-existing conditions.

When Is a Hotel Legally Liable?

To establish liability under Texas law, an injured guest typically must show that the hotel owed a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to repair or warn of a dangerous condition, that the breach directly caused the injury, and that the guest suffered damages such as medical bills or lost income.

For example, if a guest slips on an unmarked wet floor near the breakfast bar and the hotel had time to clean it or place warning signage but did not, that scenario can support a negligence claim.

What to Do After a Hotel or Motel Injury

Immediate steps can protect both your health and your claim. Seek medical attention and ensure your injuries are documented. Report the incident to management and request a copy of the incident report. Photograph the scene—spills, broken tiles, inadequate lighting, or missing railings—and keep all receipts and communications.

Gather witness names and contact information. Avoid signing documents or providing detailed statements to insurers before you have consulted an attorney. For general court system information, visit txcourts.gov.

Compensation for Hotel and Motel Injuries

Victims of hotel negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and disfigurement or disability. In tragic cases, families may pursue wrongful death claims. The total value depends on injury severity, available insurance, and whether the hotel’s conduct was especially reckless.

How Low Law Firm Helps

At Low Law Firm, Tara Gilmore-Low and her team represent victims of hotel and motel negligence across Abilene and the Big Country. We investigate the scene, secure maintenance logs and prior safety complaints, consult experts in building codes, security, and safety standards, and negotiate with insurers for full and fair compensation. If necessary, we are prepared to take the case to trial.

Preventing Hotel and Motel Accidents

Hotels can prevent many injuries by implementing rigorous safety protocols: routine inspections of floors, lighting, and fixtures; immediate repair of steps, railings, or flooring; adequate cameras and controlled access; prompt staff response to hazards; compliant food service practices; and detailed, up-to-date maintenance records.

For general consumer and public safety resources, visit texas.gov and the Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov.

Conclusion

Hotel and motel accidents happen more often than guests realize—and they’re rarely “just accidents.” Neglect, poor maintenance, or lack of oversight often play a role. Guests have the right to expect safe conditions, and when property owners fail to deliver, they can be held responsible.

If you or a loved one has been injured while staying at a hotel or motel in Abilene or anywhere in the Big Country, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and deadlines for filing claims are strict under Texas law.

Contact Low Law Firm today for a free consultation. Tara Gilmore-Low and her team will fight to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.