Legal Question in Personal Injury in South Carolina

My car was broken into at a hotel

I was at the beach when my car was broken into. The

car was one of three that the thieves hit that night. All

the cars were in the parking deck and the hotel DID

have security guards on duty. The security gate that is

usually used, was not being used whileI was there.

Do I have a case based on the negligence of the hotel

staff/security?


Asked on 11/17/03, 1:42 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: My car was broken into at a hotel

You might, but it depends on a whole lot more information, such as did they guarantee the cars' safety,was security part of the service, etc.

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Answered on 11/17/03, 4:40 pm
John Kirby Law Offices of John M. Kirby

Re: My car was broken into at a hotel

I will assume that security was not part of your agreement, and that the hotel did not assume any liability (they almost never do); in fact, most lots have some language somewhere indicating that they accept no liability. You could theoretically have a case, but it would indeed depend on a host of factors, including the history of criminal activity in the area, and the cost of measures for more security. The other issue is that of "causation"; i.e., would an extra guard, or extra lighting, or even the security gate have made a difference. (E.g., if they approached the lot on foot, then the absence of the gate seems moot.) As a general matter, such cases are difficult to win; perhaps the hotel would pay you some nuisance value. (Sometimes you simply lose. Perhaps some auto insurance would cover such a loss (if you had that coverage).)

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Answered on 11/17/03, 10:55 pm


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