A slip and fall during a holiday may result in fractures, head injuries, ligament damage or other medical problems. Foreign visitors may be uncertain about what to record before leaving the hotel or returning home.

Common locations include hotel bathrooms, buffet areas, lobbies, stairs, corridors and swimming pool surroundings. Possible hazards may include water, cleaning products, uneven flooring, loose carpets, defective steps or insufficient lighting.

Steps to Consider After a Fall

Subject to the person’s health and the circumstances, it may be useful to:

Obtain appropriate medical attention;
Photograph the location before it is cleaned or repaired;
Record whether warning signs were present;
Report the incident to hotel management in writing;
Request a copy of the incident report;
Obtain witness and staff contact details;
Ask for CCTV footage to be preserved;
Keep medical reports, invoices and booking documents.

A guest should be cautious about signing a document that has not been understood. If a document is provided only in Turkish, requesting a translation or retaining a copy for review may be appropriate.

Does a Wet Floor Create Automatic Liability?

No. A wet or defective surface may be relevant, but the assessment may also involve how long the condition existed, whether it was foreseeable and what precautions were taken.

The guest’s conduct may also be considered. This does not automatically exclude a possible claim, but it may affect the assessment of responsibility.

For further information, see Hotel Accident Claims in Turkey.

Author: Av. Dr. Gökhan Cindemir

Disclaimer: This publication provides general information only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, confirm liability or guarantee compensation.