Since 1948, CCD Law has helped injury victims in Spokane, including those hurt at one of the area’s many rental properties. When you get hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental, it’s scary and confusing. Still, you have rights. If you or someone you know has been hurt at one of these properties, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo has its advantages, namely that it gives you a wide range of options for your stay compared to a standard hotel room. However, this flexibility can also lead to situations where you might get hurt. If you do get injured, you may have legal options to consider. The need for a lawyer depends on your specific circumstances. For minor injuries, legal action might not be necessary, but serious injuries could require more extensive assistance.
Our team at CCD Law is experienced and resourceful in handling cases involving injuries at rental properties. We offer free initial consultations and do not charge anything upfront for our services, taking our fee from whatever result we get for you. Our main goal is to make this process easier for you.
What Should You Do After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
For all of its comfort, staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo is just as likely to leave you injured as a hotel room or anywhere else. What’s worse, it’s sometimes more confusing, since help might not be readily available. At the same time, it’s important to stay calm, clear-headed, and approach the accident like you would anywhere else. This means doing the following:
- Report the accident and get medical care – Get medical attention right away if you’re hurt, then inform the property owner or manager about the accident. You can find their contact information on the Airbnb or Vrbo app, or by calling customer service. Immediate care addresses your well-being, and reporting the incident helps the host take action to fix the issue that caused the accident.
- Gather evidence and document the scene – Write down what happened and take pictures or videos of anything that caused the accident or any hazards you noticed. Get contact information from any witnesses. This evidence can be crucial if you need to prove what happened later.
- Keep track of losses and other damage – Keep track of any financial losses due to the accident, including medical bills and receipts for medications. This helps you understand the financial support you might need for recovery.
Like any accident situation, some of these steps are easier said than done, particularly if you’re seriously injured. That’s where our team can step in to help you gather the evidence and information you need for a strong claim. We’ll support you throughout the entire legal process.
What’s the Legal Process After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident in Spokane?
Legally, you have options when you’re injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Spokane. Mainly, it allows you to file an injury claim to recover damages. While every case is different, there are generally two main approaches:
- Insurance claim – You can file a claim with the Airbnb or Vrbo owner’s liability insurance company. This process is informal, and the insurance company will investigate and may offer a settlement. Keep in mind, their goal is to minimize the payout.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is insufficient, our team can assist you in filing a lawsuit in civil court. This involves preparing legal documents and presenting your case against those responsible.
Deciding whether to accept an insurance settlement is your choice. Sometimes, a lawsuit is necessary to cover all your financial losses, which can include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Costs for repairing or replacing damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death expenses
- Punitive damages in cases of intentional negligence
The process can vary, but it’s crucial to act promptly due to Washington’s statute of limitations, typically three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline means you can’t recover damages. Furthermore, though, the person or company that has to pay for your damages is going to depend on what actually happened.
Who Pays For Your Damages After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
One of the most confusing parts of an Airbnb or Vrbo accident isn’t just what your damages are, but who has to pay for them. This is where Washington’s premises liability law comes into play. The actual owner of the Airbnb, Vrbo, or any other rental property has to take reasonable steps to make sure you and any other guest is kept safe while they’re on the property.
When you’re hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo, the primary liability for your injuries typically falls on the owner of the property you’re staying at. This could be the homeowner or a property management company, but they have the primary responsibility to keep you safe during your stay.
However, there are several other potentially liable parties in these situations:
- Airbnb or Vrbo – While Airbnb and Vrbo usually avoid responsibility for accidents, they could be liable if they knew about safety issues and didn’t act, or if they failed to properly vet hosts.
- Property management – If the property owner hired a manager to oversee the property, the manager might be liable for not maintaining it properly or ignoring known hazards.
- Maintenance companies – Companies hired for maintenance or repairs could be liable if their poor work contributed to the accident.
- Product makers – When there’s a piece of equipment or furniture that doesn’t work right and causes you an injury, the maker of the product can be liable.
- Other guests – Other guests might be liable if their actions directly caused the accident or injury.
Again, liability is an important part of your case, telling you who’s supposed to pay for your damages. But remember, it’s going to depend on what happened and could involve multiple of these parties. So, it’s important to look at how these accidents happen and what they mean for you.
What Can Happen to You at a Spokane Airbnb or Vrbo?
Staying at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental in Spokane can be just as risky as staying anywhere else. While these places offer comfort and convenience, you can still get hurt due to the owner or manager’s negligence. Common accidents at these rentals include:
- Slip and falls – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or clutter can cause guests to slip and fall, leading to broken bones, sprains, or head injuries.
- Negligent security – Poor security measures can result in assaults, robberies, or harassment, causing physical injuries and emotional trauma.
- Tripping accidents – Loose rugs, cables, or poor lighting can cause people to trip and hurt themselves, resulting in cuts, bruises, or fractures.
- Falling objects – Loose shelving or being in an unfamiliar environment can lead to injuries from falling objects.
- Pool or water accidents – Lack of proper safety measures around pools can lead to drowning or near-drowning incidents, as well as slips and falls on wet surfaces.
- Fire accidents – Faulty appliances or lack of fire safety measures can cause fires, leading to burns, smoke inhalation, and related injuries. These are often fatal.
Unfortunately, there are many ways you could get hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental. However, you have legal rights and options to seek compensation. Working with our team can maximize your chances of recovering damages.
Contact CCD Law for Help After an Injury at a Spokane Airbnb or Vrbo
Renting an Airbnb or Vrbo should be a pleasant and comfortable experience, not one marred by injuries from unsafe conditions or negligence by the owner or management. At CCD Law, we know how to approach these cases and make sure you have what you need for a strong claim. We’ll guide and support you throughout the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
