Jacksonville Airbnb & VRBO Injury Lawyer

Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is a Jacksonville Airbnb and VRBO injury lawyer. If you have been injured while staying at a short-term rental, you may be eligible for compensation. Our experienced Jacksonville personal injury lawyers specialize in Airbnb and VRBO injuries. Contact us today for a consultation and to begin your case.

Who Is Liable When You’re Injured at an Airbnb or VRBO in Jacksonville, NC?

If you are injured at an Airbnb or VRBO in Jacksonville, NC, the homeowner or host is most likely to be liable. A host has a direct duty to keep their property safe. When an injury occurs at a short-term rental, it might be caused by a dangerous condition on the property. Usually, the homeowner is at fault for allowing the condition to exist. They’re the first party to evaluate liability.

When is an Airbnb or VRBO host liable for an injury on their property?

An Airbnb or VRBO host may be liable for an injury if:

• A dangerous condition exists on the property.
• The condition creates an unreasonable risk of danger.
• Someone gets hurt.
• The injury is the result of the dangerous condition.
• The injured person has damages, like medical bills and pain and suffering.

Whether the dangerous condition was unreasonable depends on the specific circumstances. All the circumstances are considered, so it matters that the property owner was using their property as a business rental. Liability depends on exactly what the danger was and what could have been done to prevent it from causing injury.

Who may be liable for an Airbnb or VRBO injury?

Parties who may be liable for an Airbnb or VRBO injury are:

• The host, for allowing a dangerous condition to exist on their property.
• Airbnb or VRBO, through the insurance that they provide for property owners.
• Airbnb or VRBO, for failing to remove a property from their site, if dangerous conditions have previously been reported.
• A product manufacturer if the injury results from a product malfunction or dangerous design.
• The third party responsible for the unsafe condition.

Fault may be shared among multiple parties. An Airbnb injury attorney or VRBO injury attorney can help you evaluate short-term rental injury liability.

Host Negligence vs. Platform Liability: Who Pays?

When an injury occurs, you may wonder whether the host or the platform is liable. It depends. While the host is most likely to be held liable, the platform may also be liable. In addition, they may provide host liability insurance that provides compensation. Both Airbnb and VRBO advertise $1 million in liability insurance covering guest bodily injury.

When you’re hurt, it’s important to evaluate all possible sources of compensation. In addition to insurance provided by the hosting platform, the property owner may also have a homeowner’s or landlord policy that provides compensation.

Common Accidents That Happen at Short-Term Rental Properties

Accidents that can happen at short-term rental properties include:

• Falling down the stairs
• Slipping because of a broken or uneven surface
• Tripping over debris
• Falling off a platform or patio
• Swimming pool incidents
• Fires, electrical hazards
• Incidents with recreational items and sporting equipment
• Toxic exposure, contact with dangerous chemicals, carbon monoxide poisoning
• Bedbugs, insect and pest exposure
• Violence

There are underlying reasons these incidents occur. The host may, for example, leave the property in a state of disrepair. They may not inspect the property periodically. A previous guest may have reported a danger, but the owner didn’t follow up. An Airbnb or VRBO injury lawyer can investigate what caused the accident.

Common injuries

Common injuries from short-term rental accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Concussion, traumatic brain injury
• Sprains and strains
• Asphyxiation, smoke inhalation
• Nerve damage
• Electric shock
• Burns, skin irritation, infection
• Wrongful death

It’s important to document that injuries result from the dangerous condition. A lawyer can assist you in building your case.

Does Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance Cover Your Injuries?

Airbnb host protection insurance applies to most Airbnb stays. This insurance covers guest bodily injury as well as damage to guest property. Airbnb hosts in Jacksonville, NC, can opt out of the insurance, but most participate.

Airbnb advertises this insurance as top-to-bottom protection for hosts. But there are several exclusions, including auto and mobile equipment, communicable diseases, and assault and battery.

What To Do Immediately After Being Injured at a Vacation Rental

If you’re injured at a vacation rental, seek emergency medical attention. Call 911 if appropriate. Follow instructions from 911 operators until help can arrive. Sometimes, you may need to prevent continued exposure to a harmful chemical, fire, or electricity. Other times, it’s best not to move the injured person.

After seeking appropriate medical attention, do what you can to document what occurred. Take photos of the area. Keep the clothing you were wearing and damaged personal property. Keep records of medical care.

Report the injury through the Airbnb Help Center or to VRBO.

Should you notify the host?

Yes. You should promptly tell the host if you’re hurt at a short-term rental. Always make the report via text or chat so there is a record of what was said. Keep it brief and factual. Don’t admit fault. Just say that the injury occurred. If the injury is significant, or you’re not sure it will be, involve a lawyer early in the process.

How To File a Personal Injury Claim Against a Short-Term Rental Host

Many short-term rental personal injury claims are resolved through arbitration. You may start by notifying the short-term rental company of the claim and attempting to negotiate. If that fails, you may file a demand for arbitration. A lawyer can help you follow the correct process.

Why You Need a Jacksonville Airbnb & VRBO Injury Lawyer on Your Side

When you rent an Airbnb or VRBO, you expect a safe and enjoyable stay. You don’t expect an injury. A Jacksonville lawyer can investigate, gather evidence, take the steps to pursue your case, and negotiate your claim.

Horton & Mendez, Injury & Car Accident Attorneys, is a team of experienced Airbnb and VRBO lawyers. We help injured short-term rental guests and their families. Get the legal help you need to claim your compensation. Call or message us now.