What to Do if You’re Injured While Staying at an Airbnb

It seems that more and more people are choosing Airbnb for their accommodations when they travel. Not only that, but there are more and more people who are renting out their property for these travelers. With a business that’s estimated to be worth almost $40 billion, you can imagine that there are millions of people choosing Airbnb for their traveling experiences. Of course, with so many people involved, there is a much higher risk of accidents and injuries. In the world of peer-to-peer rentals, the liability in these situations can be muddy. The best thing to do if you are a victim is to call Lloyd Baker Injury Attorneys for representation to make sure that your rights are protected.

Categories of Airbnb Accidents

Any accident, including those that happen at an Airbnb property, can fall into one of two categories. The first category consists of accidents that cause bodily injury. The injuries can be of any severity, and commonly involve guests filing claims against the property owners. Injuries can be anything, including broken bones, concussions, sprains, illness, and everything in between. In the most severe cases, the consequences can be paralysis, amputation, or even death. Damaged and unsafe building conditions, slippery surfaces, debris, and other hazards can all cause injury. Even a bug infestation, such as bedbugs, can lead to illness and negative life consequences.

The other category includes accidents that cause damage to personal property. This includes property that is completely destroyed, lost, or stolen. In most cases, claims in these situations are made against guests by property owners, but they can also involve claims against property owners if a guest’s property was damaged in some way. Guests can damage the property through reckless behavior. Property can include the building itself, but also the contents of the property. Hosts can cause damage by allowing the property to be unsafe, such as not following fire codes or not removing hazards inside the home.

Under premises liability law, property owners must provide a safe space for their guests. This means that they are obligated to remove anything that may cause injury or make alterations to make it safe. Guests using Airbnb have legal protection with this law. If the owner through negligence or even ignorance allows an unsafe situation, then they may be held liable.

If you are Injured in an Airbnb

The first thing you need to do if you are injured in an Airbnb is to get medical attention. Of course, you want to make sure that you are treated for any injuries, but this is also important for any potential injury claims. Medical records are very valuable in that they provide evidence of your injuries at the time of the incident. If you do not have proper records, your claim could be rejected.

When you get an opportunity after making sure you are safe, collect whatever evidence you can. This can include taking photos of the location of the accident, and the hazards that caused it. Also take photos of your injuries, since the medical facility will not do so for you. Make sure that your photos are taken from several different vantage points so that you have a full view of the location. You can also ask around to see if there are any witnesses who may have seen what happened.

After all of those, you can file a claim with Airbnb through their insurance services. It is always best to have an attorney handle this part for you since they will know what to say and what to provide to solidify your case. You may not want to hire an attorney, but even if it’s a minor injury, you want to maximize the compensation you receive. An experienced and knowledgeable lawyer is your best bet to do this. By filing a claim, you will most likely have to butt heads with Airbnb’s own lawyers, who will do whatever they need to get the best result for their clients. In fact, the claims process can be very difficult and complicated to discourage people from making claims. However, with an attorney at your side, they will know how to effectively navigate the claims process and get your claim to those who need to see it.

The Powerhouse attorneys are your best option to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. If you are in an accident, including at an Airbnb, we will do everything in our power to help. In Las Vegas, call (702) 444-2222, and in Phoenix call (602) 265-5555 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and make a strategy for making your Airbnb injury claim successful.