Peer-to-peer services are a booming industry. We can save time and money when we rely on one another for rides and even living accommodation, which is why Airbnb has become so popular. This service, valued at $31 billion, has three million listings in 191 countries, spread through 65,000 cities. Vacationers can find short-term lodging at better prices than hotels and often in exotic accommodations. While Air BnB can be both exciting and convenient, it also has its downsides. When something goes wrong and you incur an injury on an Air BnB property, who is responsible? Who will pay for your injuries and the cost of your medical care? Hiring a personal injury attorney is essential to protecting your best interests and maximizing your chances of gaining fair compensation for your injuries.
Liability in Airbnb Accidents
While many Airbnb stays go off without a hitch, other times guests have a bad experience. For example, you may find that the reality of your room does not match the photo spread. Instead of enjoying a spacious room with an ocean view, you’re sharing a cramped apartment that’s fallen into disrepair and has dangerous conditions that lead to illness or injury. Airbnb injuries can run the gamut, from cuts and bruises to broken bones, concussions, and even brain and spinal cord injuries. In other cases, infectious diseases are the cause of bodily injury. They may result from simple slips and falls, collapsing roofs, broken staircases, or other inherently dangerous or defective conditions on the property. Many bodily injury claims fall under the realm of premises liability law. This is a subset of personal injury law that relies on the idea that property owners have a legal responsibility to make their premises safe for guests and occupants. If you incur an injury on an Airbnb property, your first form of recourse will be to file a claim against the host’s homeowners’ insurance. Unfortunately, hosts must have special renter’s coverage – a rule they may or may not follow. For this reason, it’s helpful to have a premises liability attorney to help you with the process.
Why You Need an Attorney
Airbnb accidents require the knowledge and experience of a personal injury attorney. There are a couple of reasons why:
-
- There are not many well-established legal precedents regarding Airbnb claims. Since peer-to-peer businesses are relatively new, this is still an evolving area of law.
- The industry is still rapidly changing, which can be confusing to the average consumer. At Frekhtman & Associates, we pride ourselves on keeping abreast of new developments in personal injury law. We can help you identify who is responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable for their negligence.
If you’ve sustained an injury in an accident involving an Airbnb rental, you may be able to gain compensation for medical expenses and more. Your next step is to schedule a free initial consultation with the attorneys at Frekhtman & Associates. For a free and confidential review of your legal options, please contact us.
