Hotels market themselves as safe havens for travelers, but inadequate security measures can turn what should be a secure environment into a dangerous situation. Sexual assaults at hotels often result from preventable security failures such as broken door locks, inadequate lighting in parking areas, a lack of surveillance cameras, or failure to properly screen staff members. When hotels prioritize profits over guest safety, they may be held liable.
A Hotel’s Duty of Care to Protect Guests from Harm
Under the law, hotels have a fundamental responsibility to provide a reasonably safe environment for their guests. This means that hotels must take reasonable steps to protect guests from foreseeable harm, including criminal acts by third parties. This obligation extends beyond simply providing a room—it encompasses the entire property, including hallways, elevators, parking areas, pools, and other common spaces.
Hotels must implement appropriate security measures, maintain proper lighting and surveillance, secure entry points, and train staff to recognize and respond to potential threats. When hotels fail to meet this standard of care, they can be held legally responsible for resulting harm.
When Can a Hotel Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault?
Hotels can be held accountable when their negligence contributes to a sexual assault incident. For example, a hotel may be liable when it fails to implement proper security measures in high-crime areas where enhanced protection is necessary. Properties that fail to install surveillance systems, maintain adequate lighting, or secure entrances and exits may also face legal claims from survivors.
When hotels fail to conduct thorough background checks on employees—especially those with access to guest rooms—they risk liability if an employee with a criminal history commits an assault. Additionally, hotels that ignore known threats, such as allowing unauthorized people to loiter on the premises, may be held responsible for subsequent acts of violence.
What to Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted in a Hotel
After a sexual assault at a hotel, you deserve justice and protection. You should take the following steps to protect your immediate safety and well-being, as well as preserve important evidence for your case:
- Ensure your immediate safety by moving to a secure location, changing rooms, or relocating to a different hotel
- Seek medical attention to treat any physical injuries and to preserve evidence of the assault
- Report the incident to both hotel management and local law enforcement to create an official record
- Document everything, including the details of the assault, the conditions of the hotel, and any interactions you had with the staff
- Consult with a Kansas City sexual assault attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights
A Kansas City Sexual Assault Attorney Can Protect Your Rights
If you were assaulted while staying in a hotel, you have the right to seek justice for the trauma you have endured, regardless of how powerful or well-connected the hotel may be. A Kansas City sexual assault attorney has the resources and experience needed to take on large hotel chains and their insurance companies while providing the compassionate support you deserve.
Working with a personal injury lawyer in Kansas City will help fight to hold negligent hotels accountable while working to secure compensation for your medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Kansas City sexual assault attorney today for a free, confidential consultation about your rights and legal options.