Home Away From Home – Hotels Carry The Same Security Dangers
While on vacation, it is not unusual to treat the hotel or motel you’re staying in as safe and secure. The truth is that hotel safety is just as important as your own home and it could be lacking proper security. Thefts can occur where you least expect it, in your private hotel room. The Pennsylvania hotel safety lawyers at the Philadelphia law firm of Reiff and Bily (http://www.reiffandbily.com) have been researching and handling numerous hotel theft cases since 1979.
Inadequate hotel safety comes in many forms. Besides improper door locks or access, there could be inadequate parking lot lighting or surveillance. Hotel security staff could also be negligent or improperly trained. If there is a safe in the hotel room, do not be afraid to put your valuables in there. Using a safe that only you have access to can prevent someone from stealing your wallet or jewelry left unattended. Items such as laptops are also a major target for theft.
Due to the current economy, hotels might cut back on their security that could result in a lapse of surveillance or proper protection. The burden lies on both the hotel to provide adequate security and for the guests to do their part in deterring theft. The hotel’s liability decreases if the guest is also negligent.
Crime can occur in any hotel, except rooms above floor 5 tend to be safer. When the room is higher up, criminals tend to stay away rooms that have less accessibility or prevent a quick escape. Your hotel room door should also have a locking bolt, electric lock, and a peephole. Keep the door locked as much as possible and if you are staying in a ground level room make sure windows and any sliding doors are locked. If someone knocks on the door, never open it without checking who is there first. When leaving the room, you could put up the do not disturb sign and leave the TV on to deter theft since there will be an appearance that the room is occupied.
The Pennsylvania hotel safety lawyers at Reiff and Bily (http://www.reiffandbily.com) work on a contingent fee basis, charging a small percentage of the recovery. They will not get paid one cent unless there is a successful recovery. They have handled numerous hotel safety cases and have successfully recovered in excess of $150 million dollars from their opponents for physical injuries and emotional damages.
If you are in need of an attorney because you or someone you love has been the target of hotel theft, please call the experienced Pennsylvania hotel safety lawyers at the law firm of Reiff and Bily (http://www.reiffandbily.com).
