A Philadelphia Airbnb location can be one that fosters relaxation, provides fun times with family, or simply offers a comfortable place to sleep. Other times, it can be unsafe and even hazardous to stay there. When you rent a location like this, you expect it to be safe, but slip and fall accidents are very common.
Take a look at some of the most common slip and fall dangers at Philadelphia Airbnb locations. If you were hurt in such an accident, we encourage you to contact us for immediate help. Working with a personal injury attorney in Philadelphia provides a way for you to recover damages that they caused you.
Common Types of Slip and Fall Dangers at Airbnb Locations
Slip and fall accidents happen for various reasons, and most are preventable. When you visit an Airbnb, you may have no idea that there’s a risk of falling and suffering serious injuries. Take a look at the most common and hidden dangers at these locations.
Slippery and Wet Floors
One of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents is unsafe flooring. They are wet, slippery, and even fall hazards. This may be because of the following:
- Whoever mopped the floor didn’t rinse the soap away
- A refrigerator or air conditioner line broke under an appliance
- The gutters are pooling water
- Leaks from the roof or windows
- Windows with condensation that create dangerous floors
There are many ways these types of accidents can occur at an Airbnb. In every situation, you are at risk for serious injury if you fall and strike your head or break a bone.
Environmental Hazards
An Airbnb host must ensure the property is safe for you to use while you are there. That includes handling due diligence efforts to pinpoint any type of hazard present. Some slip-and-fall-related environmental factors include snow, ice, and debris. It is even possible that a person may fall if, for example, critters caused steps or deck landings to become unsafe or unstable, leading to breakage.
Property owners must maintain safe conditions by considering what could happen and making repairs or warning of risks. Ice and snow, for example, can be expected with warnings about slick areas on walkways to minimize risk.
Not every type of exposure warrants this type of notification. There are some situations where it is not reasonable for the owner to know that such risks exist. If routine monitoring of conditions could spot such risks, though, that could lead to a negligence claim. Your personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia will help you better understand these factors.
Stair-Related Injuries
Stairs, even a single step, can create a difficult situation for Airbnb guests if there is no warning of the steps, a lack of handrails exists, or the steps are unsafe.
For example, most cities have building codes that specify what type of railings are necessary based on the location of the steps. There are also very strict rules about the step integrity as well. For example, if the owner knows the railing is unsafe, they need to repair it or warn of the risk so that someone does not fall.
Missing Safety Features
An Airbnb host could be responsible for missing safety features at the home that directly contribute to your injuries or losses. That includes, for example, a lack of carbon monoxide alarms or fire detectors to alert you of a risk. You may be facing a lack of a handrail on a set of steps leading up to the bedroom area. There may be a lack of warning signs about known unsafe conditions. A lack of safety features may include not having working locks or alarm systems to protect you from unauthorized entry.
Uneven Surfaces
Another hazard very commonly found on these properties has to do with uneven surfaces. If there’s a sidewalk with an elevated area, you could trip and fall. If there is a known drop off along the back of the house, a lack of warning about this risk puts you at risk. Parking lots with significant potholes, sidewalks with uneven areas, or floors with floorboards that are coming up are all risky.
Poor Lighting
Poor lighting can cause trip hazards in many areas. This can make steps, uneven surfaces, and even debris on the floor or ground hard to see. This also often leads to serious injuries when a person does not anticipate a step or a rug that is curled up. With proper lighting, you are also likely to avoid missing a threat to your safety in front of you. If an area should have lighting but lacks it, the owner could be liable.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorney in Philadelphia
If you were hurt during a visit to an Airbnb, you have rights. Learn about slip and fall dangers at Philadelphia Airbnb locations as well as what a personal injury attorney can do to help you navigate the claims process. Call Kwartler Manus today to schedule a free consultation to explore your rights and let us help you get the results you deserve.