Hotel COVID Shield Collapse

Resort Guest Injury from Falling COVID Shield

The Problem

Our client visited a popular beachfront resort shortly after COVID restrictions began to ease. At the resort’s outdoor bar, plastic COVID “shields” were still in place. While our client was ordering a drink, a strong gust of ocean wind dislodged one of the shields, causing it to fall and strike his foot with significant force.

The injury required medical attention and caused pain, inconvenience, and lost time from work. Despite the resort’s duty to maintain a safe environment for guests, they refused to offer fair compensation after our firm presented the claim.

Our Approach

Jimenez Legal was retained to hold the resort accountable. Our attorneys:

• Investigated the incident and obtained statements from staff and witnesses
• Collected evidence showing the resort failed to properly secure the shields despite being aware of windy conditions
• Built a case proving that the resort’s negligence created an unsafe condition that directly caused our client’s injury
• Initiated litigation after the resort’s insurer failed to provide a reasonable settlement offer

Our team aggressively prepared for trial, using expert testimony and photographic evidence to demonstrate the foreseeability of the hazard and the resort’s responsibility for guest safety.

The Result

Facing strong evidence and a well-prepared legal team, the resort agreed to a favorable settlement before trial. The compensation covered our client’s medical costs, pain and suffering, and other related damages — allowing him to fully move forward.

Key Takeaway

Property owners, including resorts and hotels, have a duty to protect guests from foreseeable hazards. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries.