At Maison Law, we represent those who have suffered injuries and other damages on California bed and breakfast properties. If you have been hurt in a B&B accident and believe that an owner or another party is responsible for the accident, there are many legal options for you. Please contact us today for a free, completely confidential case consultation to get started on your claim.
Do I Need an Attorney for a Bed and Breakfast Injury Claim?
Though certain personal injury claims can be handled without the assistance of an attorney, others may require their help. When injuries are minor or only property damage resulted from an accident, this is when you may not need an attorney. However, if your injuries are serious or your life is otherwise impacted by an accident daily, you can benefit from the help of a lawyer.
Because insurers tend to handle B&B injury claims, you may find that they do not have your best interests in mind. The insurance company may deny your claim or offer you much less than you deserve, leaving you in a difficult financial position. Our attorneys at Maison Law will negotiate on your behalf and handle all correspondence with the insurance company so that you don’t have to deal with these stressful aspects on your own.
How Do California Bed and Breakfast Accidents Commonly Happen?
Many individuals consider bed and breakfasts when they travel to vacation areas in California. These short-term rentals offer comfort for an entire family on the go. Some popular B&Bs in Central California include Petit Soleil, La Lomita Ranch, Cheshire Cat Inn & Cottages, and The Squibb Houses.
Even though you expect that B&Bs will be kept as safe as possible from hazards by property owners, this is not always the case. In the blink of an eye, a B&B-related accident could take on any of the following forms:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip-and-falls are some of the most common B&B accidents. There are many types of ways that a guest can fall on a property, including wet flooring and loose flooring. Property owners must maintain a property to the best of their ability to prevent these serious accidents from happening.
- Pool Accidents: Swimming pools are available at many B&Bs in California. When a pool is not properly maintained or a slip happens due to a slick surface, a serious accident can occur. Drownings also happen in pool areas more commonly than they should.
- Fires/Burns: When a guest is cooking or making a fire in a fire pit, there are many ways in which a fire or burns could occur. If the accident was caused by a preventable electrical hazard in the home, a property owner could be held accountable.
- Negligent Security: If there is negligent or inadequate security, a crime could happen on a B&B property such as a theft or assault. Especially in high-crime areas, property owners should install security cameras and other measures to protect guests.
- Deck Collapse: Decks attached to B&Bs should always be properly maintained, from the actual deck to any stairways. A collapse could lead to severe or deadly results.
How Can I Prove Liability in a Bed and Breakfast Injury Claim?
In many cases, you will find that a property owner is liable for a bed and breakfast accident. However, other negligent guests, manufacturers, or even employees on the grounds could be liable depending on the circumstances of your accident. By establishing the following elements, you can verify that negligence was at play:
- Duty of Care: The bed and breakfast owed you and other guests a duty of care to keep you safe from harm on the property.
- Breach in Duty: The owner of the property, an employee, or another party caused your accident through negligent acts and breached their duty of care to you.
- Causation: The negligent act was what actually led to your injuries.
- Damages: You must verify that damages resulted from your accident.
Bed and breakfasts in California are required to carry insurance to protect all guests on their property. Commercial liability insurance protects a B&B and also offers guests protection who have been hurt in a life-altering accident. However, it is important to note that insurance may not cover all of your losses. In these cases, it may be necessary for you to file a personal injury claim to access the damages you need to get back on your feet.
What Damages Are Available in a B&B Injury Claim in California?
When you have been injured in a California bed and breakfast accident, you may wonder what options are available for you. The road to recovery can be a long one, impacting every aspect of your life. Here are some damages that you may be able to receive in your claim:
- Medical expenses and those that you will incur in the future due to your injuries
- Lost wages and other benefits due to missed time at work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitation costs
It is important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident, as you could have limited time to file a claim. California’s statute of limitations is only two years from the time of your accident until you are no longer able to file. Acting quickly can help you protect your rights and any compensation that is owed to you.
Contact a California Bed and Breakfast Injury Lawyer Today
It is not always easy to get back on your feet after a serious accident. If you have been injured at a California bed and breakfast, speaking with a California hotel injury lawyer is in your best interests as you move forward. Our attorneys at Maison Law are here to assist you every step of the way as you navigate the complex legal system. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for more information, as well as for a free legal consultation to get started on your case.
