Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Airbnb Slip-And-Fall Accident?
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen at any time – even when you’re on vacation. So, what happens if a slip-and-fall accident occurs when you’re staying at an Airbnb? Who is liable, and what options do you have to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses?
Now that Airbnb rentals are a popular travel option in Florida and throughout the country, it’s not uncommon for guests to be involved in accidents due to hazards on these properties. If you suffered injuries in a fall or any other type of accident at an Airbnb in Hollywood or elsewhere in South Florida, contact the law firm of Rosen & Ohr, P.A., for a free consultation.
How Do Slip-and-Fall Accidents Happen at Airbnb Rentals in Florida?
Renting an Airbnb can be exciting, but you never know what you are walking into. Most owners take pride in maintaining their property for the enjoyment of others. However, some Airbnb owners see a rental solely as an income stream and do not invest in adequately maintaining the space or keeping it safe.
When a host fails to address potential problems in their unit, a guest may be the one who ultimately pays the price if they suffer a serious slip-and-fall accident.
A few examples of some of the most common causes of accidents in Airbnbs include:
- Uneven or cracked flooring or surfaces
- Spills or slippery surfaces left behind by previous guests or housekeeping
- Stairways with broken or missing handrails
- Broken steps
- Loose or torn carpeting or rugs
- Protruding objects, such as nails
- Poor lighting in areas with potential hazards
- Unmarked stairs or drop-offs
- Injuries in or next to swimming pools
- Water leaks
Who Could I Sue for Injuries at an Airbnb?
If negligence on the homeowner’s part played a role in your slip-and-fall accident, you might be able to sue the owner. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition and keeping it reasonably free from hazards.
If an Airbnb host knew or reasonably should have known there was an issue with their property and failed to remedy the hazard, they could be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Assessing and Proving Liability for an Airbnb Fall
Proving liability comes down to proving that a property owner was negligent. An owner has a duty to keep their property reasonably free from dangers and unsafe conditions. If they violate this duty and an accident results, the owner may be held responsible for the injuries and losses that result.
In order to prove negligence and liability, an Airbnb guest generally must establish that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known that the property was unsafe or hazardous and did nothing to correct the issue. Proving liability in Airbnb slip-and-fall claims can be challenging, which is why victims should consider consulting with an experienced Airbnb slip-and-fall accident lawyer immediately after a fall, and preferably before speaking with any insurance companies.
Does Airbnb Provide Liability Insurance for Premises Liability Claims?
Some homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover accidents that involve commercial or short-term rental guests. However, the Airbnb service generally provides liability coverage through its “Host Protection Insurance” plan. This plan typically provides coverage of up to $1 million for negligent accident claims that involve injuries.
While this may cover most slip-and-fall type accidents, the coverage typically does not pay out for intentional acts, car accidents, or issues with the property such as asbestos.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help-Seeking Compensation
If you’ve suffered a slip-and-fall accident while staying at an Airbnb in Florida, you need an experienced premises liability attorney on your side. Contact the team at Rosen & Ohr, P.A., today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
