An Atlanta trial attorney said he is hopeful a recent state court verdict can serve as a "wake-up call" for "big-time owners" of smaller hotel chains to better ensure the safety of guests.

L. Chris Stewart of Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys told Law.com that he hopes that a recent $16 million verdict in favor of a sexual assault victim in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will start to change the conversation. He said hotels must prioritize proper training for their employees, especially when handing out room keys.