Claim won for guest shot in his hotel room by an intruder

Case studies

Claim won for guest shot in his hotel room by an intruder


We acted for a client pursuing a claim, against a hotel in Florida, for personal injury following being shot by an intruder while in his hotel room. Our client and his family were on holiday in Florida and were staying in various hotels as they toured the state.

After canoeing all day, they arrived at and booked into a hotel at about 6 o'clock in the evening, when it was semi-dark. After they had checked in and entered their room, a man came in and fired a shot into the floor of their bedroom. He then pointed a gun at our client and asked him to give him his wallet. Our client bravely picked up a chair and hit the intruder as he tried to get the gun off him.

Unfortunately, the intruder shot the client in the face before making his escape. Our client underwent several operations but was left with scarring and some bullet fragments in situ.

Court proceedings were commenced, with the help of our attorney, against the hotel for failing to provide adequate security. Liability was denied throughout but a negotiated settlement secured a substantial five figure sum for our client.


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Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC311575 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under number 419867.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP