Airbnb has revolutionized the way we travel. The startup has provided authentic, affordable travel opportunities for millions. Unfortunately, traveling with Airbnb is not without its pitfalls. When an injury occurs at an Airbnb property, it can be confusing to understand who is legally responsible for the damages. If you’ve been hurt while staying at an Airbnb, there are certain steps you must take to make a claim for financial compensation. Here’s what you need to know:
Airbnb Liability
If you’re injured while staying at an Airbnb, the owner of the property may be liable. You may also be able to recover compensation through Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance. Property owners have a duty to provide a safe, comfortable stay for guests. If they are negligent, they may owe injured parties financial damages. This is where premises liability comes into play.
Premises liability refers to the legal obligation property owners have to keep it safe for guests. This is required for all homeowners. Simply inviting friends over for dinner can turn into a liability nightmare if you fail to warn your guests of a wobbly banister or crumbling balcony. The resulting injuries can be grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
When a property owner uses their home for a business, like an Airbnb rental, the standard of care is very high. They must constantly be on the lookout for potential hazards around their property and quickly fix any dangerous aspects of their home. If property owners fail to protect their guests from injury, they can be held legally responsible for the damage done.
Examples of Airbnb Injuries
Airbnb injuries can happen in several ways. When a property owner fails to perform adequate maintenance on their home, accidents are bound to occur. Defective appliances, broken stairways, negligent security, and other unreasonably dangerous conditions can all lead to injuries.
Airbnb accidents can range from minor to deadly. A simple slip and fall accident can send a person to the hospital. Bruises, broken bones, sprains, and concussions are all possible when a creaky staircase isn’t repaired correctly, or a dim hallway is lit inadequately. Bed bugs and exposure to asbestos can haunt an Airbnb guest for long after they check out.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt at an Airbnb
If you’ve been hurt during your stay at an Illinois Airbnb, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights. Start by seeking medical attention. You’ll want to get documentation of your medical file, prescriptions, and other treatments you receive. Take steps to further document the accident by taking photos and videos of the scene. Write down your account of what happened and take witness statements, too.
Next, report the incident to Airbnb and the property owner. You’re not required to go into extensive details. Just alert all parties that an accident occurred at the home and you’ve sought treatment for your injuries.
After reporting the incident, you’ll likely be contacted by the insurance company. At this point, you are not legally required to give a statement. In fact, it may not be in your best interest to speak to the insurance company without a lawyer. Insurers will look for any reason to deny a claim and avoid paying out a settlement. To protect your best interests, don’t go up against Airbnb or the insurance company on your own. Instead, work with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer.
Hire an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
There’s no time to waste if you’ve been injured at an Airbnb. The Illinois statute of limitations for premises liability claims is just two years. After the deadline, you’ll be unable to pursue compensation for your injuries. While this seems like a long time, it can take a while to investigate the incident and build a case.
Don’t go it alone. Turn to an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney for your Airbnb injury claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, economic losses, and other damages. Our team can help you understand your options, help you document your injuries, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a suit on your behalf if necessary. Call us at 630-898-7800 to schedule your consultation now.
