CCD Law represents individuals injured in premises liability accidents in Coeur d’Alene. These accidents can occur almost anywhere in the city. A common location for these accidents is rental properties like Airbnb and Vrbo. If you or someone you know has been injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Coeur d’Alene, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Coeur d’Alene offers a cozier and more personal experience than staying at a hotel, all the while giving you closer access to the area’s beautiful views and activities.
Unfortunately, though, accidents can still happen at these places. This can make it unclear who is responsible for the accident.
Hiring a lawyer can be very helpful, though it’s not required in Idaho. Whether you need one depends on your situation and the severity of your injuries. Generally, the more severe your injuries, the more likely you’ll need legal assistance. Our experienced Coeur d’Alene premises liability lawyers can guide you by:
- Explaining the law and your options
- Helping you gather evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing an injury claim, either with an insurance company or through a lawsuit
These accidents can be scary, since help isn’t readily available at these places. But you still have legal options. And the first step in the process is figuring out who’s responsible.
Who is Responsible for Your Damages in an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
As confusing as it can be, getting hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo is a type of premises liability claim, similar to accidents in hotels or other lodgings. This means that, in terms of legal responsibility, the owner or management company of Airbnb or Vrbo is the one that has to keep you safe and free from hazards. Part of this means taking “reasonable steps” to fix any issues, such as:
- Quickly responding to reports or complaints about hazards
- Performing regular inspections and maintenance
- Monitoring for potential hazards
Failing to do this is considered “negligence,” making the owner or management of the Airbnb or Vrbo legally responsible for any injuries. This means they are liable for the accident and must pay for your damages. However, other parties could also be involved, such as:
- Airbnb or Vrbo – These companies might be responsible if they knew about safety problems and didn’t fix them, or if they didn’t properly check the backgrounds of their hosts.
- Maintenance workers – If the companies hired to do maintenance or repairs did a poor job and that caused the accident, they could be held liable.
- Product makers – If you got hurt because a product like an appliance or furniture malfunctioned, the company that made the product might be to blame.
- Other guests or visitors – If other guests or visitors caused the accident or injury, for example through assault or theft, they could be held responsible.
Determining liability is crucial for your case, as it identifies who you will be dealing with in the legal process and helps protect your claim. But you can do this on your own as well.
Protecting Your Injury Claim After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident
It’s true that you have certain rights and options when you get hurt because of an Airbnb or Vrbo owner’s negligence. But that doesn’t mean that you automatically recover damages. You have to put together a strong claim. More to the point, you have to protect it by gathering important information and evidence. Here’s how you protect your claim:
- Get medical care and call 911 – Get medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. This ensures your health and creates a medical record of your injuries.
- Report the accident to the owner or manager – Notify Airbnb or Vrbo through their app or website as soon as possible to create an official record of the incident.
- Note what happened – Document the major details about the accident, including the time, location, and what happened. Note any unsafe conditions that contributed to your injury.
- Gather pertinent information and evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, focusing on hazards. Save any damaged items and get contact information from witnesses.
- Stay on top of your medical care – Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatments and expenses. These records and progress is essential for showing your injuries.
- Watch your statements – Be careful with what you say to property owners, other guests, or insurance representatives. Avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries. Stick to the facts.
By following these steps, you can ensure your safety and strengthen your claim if you decide to go forward with the legal process.
What Options Do You Have After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
When you get hurt because of someone or some company’s negligence while staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Coeur d’Alene, it means you can file a claim to recover damages from those responsible. Here are your options:
- Filing an insurance claim – Start by filing an insurance claim with the responsible party’s insurance company. This isn’t a court process; the insurance company will investigate and may offer a settlement. Keep in mind that their goal is to minimize the payout.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance settlement doesn’t fully cover your injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Our team can help prepare the Complaint and take the responsible party to civil court.
The overall goal of the claims process is recovering financial support from those responsible. This is largely based on your injuries and other losses. While your damages are going to be specific to your accident, there’s general categories of damages available, like:
- Medical expenses, which covers the cost of medical treatment and ongoing care.
- Lost income, covering the income lost due to the accident, including future earning potential.
- Financial support for reduced earning capacity and loss of quality of life from long-term injuries.
- Repair or replacement costs of damaged belongings.
- Financial support for immediate and long-term pain and anguish from your injuries.
- Separate financial support for the stress, anxiety, or diminished happiness that results from your injuries.
- Financial considerations for the inability to participate in activities or spend time with loved ones the way you did before the accident.
- Punitive damages in cases of intentional or reckless negligence, usually resulting from an assault or theft.
You have two years from the accident date to file your claim, according to Idaho’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline means you can’t recover damages. Taking quick action and understanding your options can help ensure you receive the financial support you need to recover from your injuries.
What Are Some Common Airbnb and Vrbo Accidents in Coeur d’Alene?
Most Airbnb or Vrbos in Coeur d’Alene are rented when people are visiting Lake Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area. But more to the point, there’s a rash of common accidents that can happen to you during your stay at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Coeur d’Alene that are present at every rental:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Tripping accidents
- Staircase and furniture collapses
- Fire accidents or burns from faulty electrical wiring or equipment
- Drowning or near-drownings at pools or other water sources
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Food poisoning
- Assault or theft because of negligent security
- Dog bites or other animal attacks
With so many possible scenarios, it’s understandable how accidents can happen. We hope your injuries are minor and won’t require legal action. However, if they do, you can rely on our team for support and guidance.
Contact CCD Law if You’ve Been Injured at a Coeur d’Alene Airbnb or Vrbo
Booking an Airbnb or Vrbo usually promises a relaxing stay, not injuries from unsafe conditions or negligence. At CCD Law, our experienced premises liability lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult situation. We’ll address your concerns, provide thorough guidance, and ensure you’re equipped to pursue a strong claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the recovery process started.
