Vacation Rental Injury: What Should You Do?
Staying at a vacation rental or Airbnb offers a unique and personalized lodging experience. Tourists can experience Florida while staying in a more home-like setting, as opposed to a hotel. They are very different experiences, each with its own pros and cons. While you give up the staff and conveniences of a hotel, many travelers prefer the privacy and comfort of a vacation rental home. However, accidents can happen, and guests may find themselves facing a vacation rental injury during their stay. With no front desk staff or manager on-site, what do you do? Understanding the avenues for compensation and the responsibilities of hosts is crucial in these situations.
Understanding Liability in Florida Vacation Rentals
In Florida, property owners have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for their guests. This obligation extends to vacation rental owners and Airbnb hosts, who must ensure their properties are free from hazards that could cause injury. If a host knows about broken stairs or a slippery rug and fails to fix or remove the hazard, they are negligent. Guests injured by these previously known issues can hold the host liable for damages.
Florida’s premises liability laws govern these situations, emphasizing the property owner’s responsibility to prevent accidents and protect lawful visitors. Under these laws, an injured guest may pursue compensation if the property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it. Understanding these legal protections can help injured individuals determine their rights and next steps.
Host Liability Insurance
Many vacation and short-term rental platforms offer Host Liability Insurance to property owners. For example, Airbnb’s AirCover program offers hosts up to $1 million in coverage if they are found legally responsible for a guest’s injury or property damage during a stay. This insurance covers incidents such as bodily injury to guests or damage to guest property. However, this coverage excludes certain situations, like intentional acts or communicable diseases.
Steps to Take Following an Injury
If you sustain a vacation rental injury, consider the following steps:
1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by obtaining immediate medical care.
2. Document the Scene: Take photographs of the area where the injury occurred and note any hazardous conditions.
3. Report the Incident: Inform the host about the injury and report it to the rental agency through their platform.
4. Collect Witness Information: If others were present, gather their contact details as they may provide valuable statements later.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
Navigating the complexities of liability and insurance claims after an injury at a vacation rental can be challenging. Coming home from vacation with an injury—on top of loads of laundry—can add to your stress. At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., our team brings over 200 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We handle cases involving vacation rental injuries with expertise. We are dedicated to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured at a vacation rental in Florida, contact us today for a free consultation at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com.