A hotel’s duty to its guests
Hotels and motels invite paying guests to sleep on their property and owe a clear duty to provide reasonable security. Guests reasonably expect working locks, controlled access, and a safe environment. When a hotel fails to deliver that and a guest is harmed, the hotel can be held responsible.
Common hotel and motel security failures
- Defective or easily bypassed room door locks and key-card systems
- No working surveillance in lobbies, hallways, stairwells, or lots
- Uncontrolled access that lets non-guests roam freely
- No security staff at properties with a known crime problem
- Poorly lit parking areas and exterior walkways
- Ignoring prior assaults, robberies, or drug activity on site
Who can be held responsible?
Liability can extend to the hotel owner, the management company, and the franchise or brand operator depending on how the property is run — as well as any security contractor.
What a claim can recover
Compensation can include medical care, lost income, and the trauma of being attacked where you should have been safe. Fatal incidents can support a wrongful-death claim. No fee unless we win.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue a hotel if my room was broken into and I was assaulted?
Often, yes. A faulty lock or key-card system, or uncontrolled access that let an intruder reach your room, can support a negligent-security claim against the hotel.
Does it matter if it was a budget motel or a major chain?
No — the duty to provide reasonable security applies to both. What matters is whether the property ignored foreseeable risk. Major brands may also bring additional responsible parties into the case.
What does it cost to pursue a hotel?
Nothing up front. We work on contingency, so there are no attorney's fees unless we recover for you.