Hotels are often settings for sexual assault, rape and other serious sex crimes against guests. In Illinois, a hotel can be held liable, or legally responsible, for a case of sexual assault in certain circumstances. Liability depends on the actions the hotel took or did not take to protect its guests.
What Duties Do Hotels in Illinois Have to Protect Guests From Harm?
Hotels owe high standards of care to their guests. Under the rules of premises liability law in Illinois, hotel guests are classified as “invitees.” As such, they are owed the highest standards of care in terms of their personal safety while on the hotel’s premises as a guest or customer.
Hotels, motels, resorts and inns have a legal responsibility to take reasonable measures to ensure adequate security on their premises. What is “reasonable” depends on the circumstances, such as the location of the hotel, the area’s history of crime and the likelihood of foreseeable sexual assault on the hotel’s property.
Potential security measures may include hiring a doorman or security guard, installing cameras in public areas, repairing and replacing broken door locks, providing adequate lighting in parking lots, and properly screening hotel staff members. If a hotel falls short of its duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm from befalling guests, it can face liability for cases of sexual assault.
When Can a Hotel Be Held Liable?
A hotel in Illinois could be held liable for a case of sexual assault against a guest if it or one of its employees was negligent, or fell short of the duty of care. If the hotel failed to conduct background checks on staff or ignored known safety threats, for example, this can serve as evidence of negligence that proves hotel liability.
What Should I Do if I Was Sexually Assaulted in a Hotel?
If you were raped or sexually assaulted while staying at a hotel in Illinois or while on the premises as a worker, you have legal rights. Protect yourself by taking the following actions:
- Ensure your personal safety. Your well-being comes first. Get to a safe place away from the perpetrator immediately. Relocate to another hotel.
- Get medical care. It can be daunting to undergo a medical exam immediately after an assault, but prompt treatment is imperative for your health, safety and to gather potential evidence against your assailant.
- Tell someone. Confide in the authorities or a trusted friend or family member about what happened. Notify hotel management. Report the sexual assault to the police to put it on record.
- Document the assault. Write down a description of everything you remember. Include what happened after you reported the sexual assault to hotel staff.
Once you’ve received the professional care you need, seek legal support and guidance from an attorney at The Mahoney Law Firm. We are compassionate and highly experienced sexual assault lawyers in Illinois.
How a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Illinois Can Help
Bringing a sexual assault claim against a hotel in Illinois requires clear evidence of liability. You have special rights as a hotel guest. An experienced Illinois sexual assault lawyer can help you understand and protect them as you move forward with a claim for justice against a hotel or a corporation.
A lawyer will complete an in-depth investigation into the attack, preserve and collect key evidence establishing the hotel’s negligence, and negotiate or litigate your case on your behalf to fight for maximum compensation. To start with a free hotel sexual assault case consultation in Illinois, contact us 24/7.