Case Brief: Surowitz v. Hilton Hotels Corp.
Citation
Surowitz v. Hilton Hotels Corp., 383 F.2d 335 (2d Cir. 1967).
Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Facts
The plaintiff, Surowitz, was a guest at the Hilton Hotels Corp. located in New York City. During his stay, Surowitz was injured when he fell into an unguarded hole in the hotel's lobby area. He brought a lawsuit against Hilton Hotels Corp., alleging negligence for failing to maintain safe premises and provide adequate warnings regarding the hazardous condition.
Issue
Did Hilton Hotels Corp. breach its duty of care towards the plaintiff by failing to ensure that the premises were safe for guests?
Rule
A hotel owes a duty of care to its guests to ensure the premises are maintained in a reasonably safe condition and to warn them of any dangers that could foreseeably cause harm.
Application
The court assessed whether Hilton Hotels Corp. had exercised reasonable care in maintaining its premises. Evidence presented showed that the hotel was aware of the hazardous condition prior to the incident, and despite this knowledge, failed to take appropriate action to rectify the situation or adequately warn guests about the danger. The court also examined whether the plaintiff had contributed to the accident, finding that the circumstances indicated the hotel's negligence was the primary cause of the injury.
The court emphasized the importance of hotel management maintaining a safe environment for its guests and providing necessary warnings about potential hazards. Given the evidence of negligence, the court concluded that the hotel was liable for Surowitz's injuries.
Conclusion
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the lower court's ruling, finding Hilton Hotels Corp. liable for negligence in failing to ensure a safe environment for its guests. The court awarded damages to Surowitz for the injuries he sustained due to the hotel's unsafe conditions.
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