Hotels cater to a diversity of clients. You might host a high school reunion one day and a wedding party the next. Every guest, from the routine to the special will need unique, targeted accommodations. Still, they all will expect you to provide them with a safe, secure environment. How can you do so? What are some of the risks to you if you fail in your safety obligations?

If a hotel guest sustains injury because of risks in your space, then the hotel could suffer. Lawsuits, injury claims and other challenges could affect your reputation and bottom line. Even so, if you have general liability insurance, you might be able to mitigate some of the losses.

Understanding Hotel Liability Risks

Your hotel's hospitality services might extend from the individual guest room, to the front desk, to the convention rooms. In each of these spaces, risks might be present that could cause one of your visitors to get hurt. These are liabilities, and they exist everywhere.

If an accident occurs, then the affected party might have to take action to recoup some of their losses. For example, if someone slips on a puddle in the dining room, they could break a leg. They might incur thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost income. They might hold the business responsible, and some parties might even sue you.

In such situations, you'll often be able to file a claim on your general liability insurance. This claim can help compensate a harmed party for their losses in your hotel. In the above example, if your policy contains bodily injury coverage, then the person's injury might have coverage. This is just one of many types of coverage available under a general liability policy.

Keeping Common Areas Safe

One of the highest-risk areas for bodily injuries in your hotel is the common areas. This might include the dining room, convention spaces or main lobby. These are high-traffic areas. Without careful monitoring, they might present multiple injury risks. Still, you can take steps to reduce these risks.

Perhaps your best precaution is to remain alert. Walk through common areas a few times per day. If you see any hazards that might cause injuries, take steps to isolate them. For example, place wet floor signs in areas around spills or leaks, and cordon off the area. Encourage your guests to report safety risks, too.

Furthermore, abide by any and all safety regulations required by law. These might include occupancy limits, sanitation laws and food safety ratings. The more precautions you take, the better you might be able to prevent liability risks in your establishment.

Contact us today to learn more about insurance coverage options for your hotel!