A hotel sexual assault can lead to a civil claim against more than the person who committed it. In some cases, the hotel’s owner or operator may also be responsible, for example when staff let someone into a guest’s room without checking who they were, or when a hotel employee committed the assault.
Unauthorized Room Access and Hotel Key Cards
Chances are you’ve seen the headlines yourself: a guest alleges that lax security on the part of the front desk attendants has resulted in their being the victim of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. In an alarmingly high number of cases, the suspect claimed that they were related to or visiting the guest, and the hotel’s front desk attendant simply handed over a copy of the key card. No identification was requested, no guests were contacted to verify the interloper’s identity, and no security measures whatsoever were taken.
Assault Committed by a Hotel Employee
Sometimes the alleged perpetrator is an employee of the hotel, not a stranger who’s wandered in off the street or a malicious acquaintance of the guest. Unfortunately, it’s pretty clear how easily this can occur; depending on their position, those who work in the hotel have access to any room, knowledge of guests’ whereabouts (which they could use to target victims or to ensure there are no nearby witnesses), and even the ability to block security cameras for the duration of the assault or to delete the footage afterward.
Assaults in this context can lead to criminal charges and civil suits in which the hotel and its operators/owners are named.
Hotel Security and Civil Claim Questions
Hotel owners and operators are liable for what goes on under the roof of their establishments. To limit that liability, it’s crucial for hospitality industry executives to implement safety protocols and to train all hotel staff in those protocols adequately. The hotels’ HR departments must have a policy in place for thoroughly vetting employee candidates via background checks and other screenings.
If a hotel does not use reasonable care to protect guests from dangers it knew or should have known about, it may be responsible in a civil claim. In Colorado, these claims are usually brought against the hotel’s owner or operator.
When a Hotel Stay Turns Into a Horror Show
The trauma of sexual assault takes a tremendous toll on victims, especially when the survivor had placed their trust in a company and its employees, only to have it irrevocably shattered.
Records to Discuss With Your Attorney
If you are thinking about a civil claim, it can help to gather what you already have. You do not need to collect everything before you talk to a lawyer.
- Booking details, such as confirmation emails, receipts, your room number and the dates of your stay
- Any key-card or room-access information, including anything the hotel told you about who entered your room
- Incident report or police report numbers
- Emails, texts, letters or call notes from the hotel, its staff or its insurance company
- Names of staff members or other witnesses you remember
Related Reading
- What Evidence Is Needed for a Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
- Can You File a Sexual Assault Lawsuit Anonymously in Colorado?
- How to Choose a Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer
Talk to Greer Law Group About a Hotel Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted or faced an attempted assault during a stay in a hotel or other hospitality establishment, count on us. Contact Greer Law Group to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys. Please fill out our contact form or call 303-331-6460 to discuss the recourse that may be available.
