Visiting an Airbnb comes with a promise of being safe. Falling on an uneven sidewalk or tripping due to unsafe flooring puts you at risk of serious injuries. The property owner may be responsible for the losses you have.
If you are injured in an accident at a short-term rental location, a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer from Kwartler Manus can provide legal representation to help you recover the compensation you are owed. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
What Happens at Airbnb Locations
There are countless stories of people suffering serious injuries when visiting these properties. Unlike hotels or motels, there’s less overall monitoring of what happens in these locations. In some cases, property owners fail to minimize risks, creating dangerous situations. Some examples of concerns we see include:
- Poor maintenance leading to slips and falls
- Slippery floors
- Unstable stairs
- Missing handrails
- Unclean and cluttered environments
By renting the location, you are assured that the premises will be free from hazards and that the owner will take reasonable steps to ensure this. When that does not happen, the owner could be responsible for the unsafe conditions and, therefore, be responsible for paying for your losses.
What to Do If You Are Hurt in an Airbnb Slip and Fall Accident
After an accident like this, put your safety first. If you are unable to help yourself or have serious injuries, call 911 to request medical care. After focusing on your safety, consider a few steps you can take to minimize additional risk and preserve evidence to build your claim. Consider these steps in the process.
Get Medical Care First
Any type of injury warrants medical attention. You may not know the extent of your injuries initially. By going to the local emergency room or urgent care, you’ll get the care you need.
This also allows you to document that your injuries occurred as a result of being at the location. That is important to proving the property owner is responsible for your injuries.
Take Photos of the Incident
Before seeking medical care, if it is safe to do so, take photos to document the accident and the conditions present. Photograph as much of the scene as possible. That includes what caused the incident, how it happened, the resulting injuries, and any debris that shows details of the outcome.
If you fell due to broken steps, take photos of the steps and the surrounding area. Provide a video that shows where you walked, where the damage occurred, and how you fell. Every detail is helpful.
Notify the Airbnb Host
Your next step should be to notify the host of the Airbnb. Do this right away to ensure clear documentation of when it occurred and your reporting of it. Do so in writing, such as in an email, so there’s documentation. Provide information about what happened, when it occurred, and where it happened on their property.
File a Claim with Airbnb
You will then be able to file a claim with Airbnb for your losses. In a simple case, they will likely pay for your medical bill and move on. This is the easiest way to settle the case. Unfortunately, that is not always the route that is best suited for your needs. You may need to speak to a slip and fall accident lawyer as well.
Seek the Help of an Attorney
In situations where you have serious injuries and losses or the insurance company representing the at-fault party denies your claim, turn to a slip and fall accident lawyer. Your lawyer becomes your advocate. That means providing you with clarity on your rights and maximizing your claim. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence in your case.
Determining Who Pays for Your Injuries
The losses you have may be substantial. You may also be unsure what steps to take to recover those losses fully. Here are some basic guidelines that may impact your case.
- The host is responsible if they are negligent. In a slip and fall accident, this is likely the route that you will take. Airbnb’s Host Liability Insurance may cover the costs.
- Airbnb could be responsible. They are not always accountable, but if the fall happened because of misleading advertising, they could be held accountable.
- A third party may be at fault, too. This may occur if they failed to maintain the property, such as a property management company, resulting in injuries and losses.
Victims of an accident like this deserve fair treatment. Getting that can be hard if you do not know your rights. Insurance companies have no reason to inform you of those rights.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Our Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
At Kwartler Manus, our Airbnb slip and fall accident lawyer is your advocate. Contact us immediately for a free consultation. Let us go to work building your claim and negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company. Our slip and fall accident lawyer in Philadelphia brings years of experience to your legal fight. Call us today.