Can I Sue for Injuries at an Airbnb or Vrbo Vacation Rental?
Booking a short term rental through Airbnb and Vrbo can give more of a “home away from home” feel than a hotel. But unlike a hotel, Airbnb and Vrbo properties are maintained by private parties and not all hosts take necessary efforts to keep their property safe for guests.
When a guest is injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental due to a host’s negligence, they’re typically entitled to compensation for their injuries under premises liability laws. At Foley Law Firm, our Monroe County personal injury attorneys help those who have been injured recover financial compensation for damages through premises liability lawsuits.
Serving Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, the attorneys of Foley Law Firm can help you if you have been injured during an Airbnb or Vrbo stay. In the meantime, read on to learn more about who can be sued for injuries at an Airbnb or Vrbo vacation rental.
Common Accidents at Vacation Rentals
Accidents can happen for many different reasons when staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo vacation rental property. Property owners who fail to take proper precautions and maintain the safety of their property put guests at risk of injury from accidents such as:
- Slip and falls on loose carpet or uneven walkways
- Falling on stairs due to loose or missing handrails or loose steps
- Reactions caused by breathing in mold, carbon monoxide, smoke, or other pollutants or toxins
- Burns from exposed electrical wiring or improperly installed fixtures
Injuries at Vacation Rentals Can Have Long Term Consequences
No one expects to get injured while on vacation but when an Airbnb or Vrbo property isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to injuries with widespread repercussions.
Slip and fall accidents can cause broken bones and sometimes traumatic brain injuries. Carbon monoxide poisoning or burns from exposed wiring can cause serious injuries or even death.
Recovering from an accident at a rental property can result in extensive medical expenses, lost work, and sometimes permanent disability.
Who’s Liable for Injuries at an Airbnb or Vrbo Vacation Rental?
When an Airbnb or Vrbo host has been negligent in maintaining their property and a guest subsequently suffers an injury, it may be possible to recover compensation for injuries and other damages through a premises liability lawsuit.
Both Airbnb and Vrbo provide their own liability protection to those who host properties through their platforms. Hosts under both platforms are covered up to one million dollars for liability damages. This means that Airbnb or Vrbo’s liability insurance is available to pay the settlement awarded to an accident victim in a premises liability lawsuit against one of their hosts.
Recovering Damages
Through a premises liability lawsuit it may be possible to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental due to the negligence of the property’s host, you may be entitled to financial compensation. To discuss your claim and which legal options may be best for you, schedule a consultation with Foley Law Firm.