Nothing quite compares to checking into a Rhode Island resort for a long summer weekend. But while you focus on relaxing, a single hazard on hotel property can completely derail your plans. Here are five slip-and-fall hazards to be aware of during your stay.
How wet pool decks can catch you off guard
One of the first areas that warrants caution is right outside the pool. Water tracked onto concrete, tile or wooden decks creates highly slick surfaces. If you wear flip-flops or run near these areas, you risk a sudden slip resulting in fractures, sprains or concussions. This is why you should always walk carefully on pool decks. But as you head back inside, the hotel entrance can be just as treacherous.
How slick lobby entryways can turn dangerous
Summer downpours along the Rhode Island coast occur quickly and without warning. As a result, wet footwear can easily transform a smooth marble or tile floor into a serious slip hazard. If hotel staff fail to place wet floor signs or address tracked water promptly, guests face a considerable risk of falling. Once you move through the lobby, also pay close attention to outdoor pathways
How uneven walkways can lead to a fall
Beyond the lobby, the surrounding grounds present their own set of hazards. Rhode Island’s historic coastal properties, like those in Newport or Narragansett, often feature brick paths, aging boardwalks or uneven cobblestones. Additionally, inadequate lighting combined with cracked or raised pavement during busy summer evenings can contribute to a serious trip-and-fall injury.
How unsecured rugs and carpeting can trip you
Inside the hotel, flooring hazards are just as easy to overlook. Heavy foot traffic in corridors can cause rugs to bunch up or shift. Torn or deteriorating carpeting near indoor-outdoor transition zones also poses a significant tripping hazard for unsuspecting guests. Thus, you should keep your eyes down as you navigate these spaces. As the evening winds down, one more outdoor hazard deserves your attention.
How poor lighting puts you at risk outdoors
After dark, dimly lit walkways, unlit stairwells and insufficient path lighting near patios, fire pits or gazebos can obscure drop-offs and uneven terrain. Use your phone’s flashlight if the lighting around you seems inadequate. Meanwhile, remaining mindful of all five hazards can go a long way in keeping you safe. If an accident does occur, it helps to know you have options.
What to keep in mind after a hotel accident?
An unexpected injury does not have to leave you feeling uncertain about your next steps. In Rhode Island, you generally have up to three years to explore your legal options following a slip-and-fall incident, giving you adequate time to prioritize your recovery. If you have questions, local legal guidance is available to help you navigate the process without requiring repeated trips back to the state.
