Maison Law represents those injured in premises liability accidents in Turlock. These can cover a wide variety of different hazards virtually everywhere across the city. One of the most common areas these types of accidents happen is during a stay at an Airbnb, Vrbo, or some other rental. If you or someone you know has been hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Turlock, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
When you stay at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Turlock, the appeal is a stay that’s cozier and more welcoming than a hotel. But this doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen to you while you’re there. This is the crux of why these accidents are so confusing: it’s hard to know who’s actually responsible.
This alone shows the benefit of hiring a lawyer, but still, it’s not a requirement in California. It also depends on the circumstances and how hurt you are. Basically, the more hurt you are, the more legal help you’ll probably need. Our experienced Turlock premises liability lawyers understand what you’re going through and can help you by explaining the law and your options, then helping you through the claims process.
What’s the Legal Process Around an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident in Turlock?
At its core, an accident that leaves you hurt while you’re at an Airbnb or Vrbo is a “premises liability” claim. This means a few things, but namely it means that you can file an injury claim to recover “damages” from the responsible parties.
You can file your claim in two ways: through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
- Filing an insurance claim – Most of the time, the process starts with filing an insurance claim with the responsible party’s carrier. This isn’t a formal court action and is managed by the insurance company. They will investigate and may offer a settlement, but their goal is to minimize payout.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit – If the insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover your injuries, our team can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. This involves preparing a Complaint and taking the responsible party (or parties) to civil court.
Deciding whether to accept an insurance offer is up to you. Sometimes, a lawsuit is necessary to fully cover your losses, which can include:
- Medical expenses for the costs of medical treatment and ongoing care.
- Lost wages to cover the money you miss out on because of the accident, including future earning potential.
- Permanent injuries, which is financial support for reduced earning capacity from long-term injuries.
- Property damage, or repair or replacement costs of damaged belongings.
- Loss of quality of life or companionship, for the Inability to participate in activities or spend time with loved ones.
- Pain and suffering, costs relating to the immediate and long-term discomfort and anguish from the injury.
- Emotional distress, or costs relating to impacts like stress, anxiety, or diminished happiness.
Like any injury claim, you have to act quickly. You typically have two years from the accident date to file your claim, which is California’s “statute of limitations” for injury claims. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to recover damages. But an equally important aspect is figuring out who’s liable for your damages.
Who’s Liable For Your Damages in an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
Because it’s a premises liability claim, getting hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo isn’t all that different from accidents in places like hotels or other lodgings. Basically, the owner or management company that runs the Airbnb or Vrbo has a duty to keep you safe and free from hazards while you stay there. They have to do this by taking “reasonable steps” to fix issues and hazards, which they can do by:
- Responding quickly to reports or complaints about hazards
- Doing regular inspections and maintenance
- Keeping an eye on potential hazards
Failing to do this is considered “negligence”, and sets legal responsibility for any resulting injuries. This makes the owner or management company “liable” for the accident and, thus, paying for your damages. But, because there’s a wide variety of things that can happen, it can also bring others into the issue like:
- Airbnb or Vrbo – These companies could be liable if they knew about safety issues and didn’t act or failed to properly vet hosts.
- Maintenance workers – Companies hired for maintenance or repairs could be liable if their poor work contributed to the accident.
- Product makers – If there’s a malfunctioning product, like an appliance or furniture, the maker of the product could be responsible.
- Other guests or visitors – Other guests or visitors can be liable if their actions directly caused the accident or injury. Usually, this happens if there’s an assault or theft
Liability is a huge benchmark for your case, because it effectively sets the course of how it plays out. In simpler terms, it tells you who you’re going up against in the legal process. But it’s also important to protect your claim.
How Do You Protect Your Claim After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?
Just because you don’t expect to be in an accident at an Airbnb or Vrbo doesn’t mean it won’t happen. In fact, it’s sometimes more likely that you’ll be in an accident here simply because you’re unfamiliar with the surroundings and don’t exactly know what to look out for. At the same time, when you do get hurt, it’s very important to take steps to protect your claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical care – Seek medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. This ensures your well-being and provides a medical record of your injuries.
- Report the accident to Airbnb or Vrbo – Notify the platform through the app or website as soon as possible to create an official record of the incident.
- Document the accident scene – Write down details about the accident, including the time, location, and what happened. Note any unsafe conditions that contributed to your injury.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, focusing on hazards. Save any damaged items and get contact information from witnesses.
- Get further medical care – Follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatments and expenses. This documentation is crucial for proving your injuries.
- Be careful with statements – Be mindful of what you say to property owners, other guests, or insurance reps. Avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries. Stick to the facts.
Following these steps can help ensure your safety and strengthen your claim if you decide to seek damages. That said, you need to be prepared, and that means understanding how these accidents happen.
How Do Accidents Happen at an Airbnb or Vrbo?
Airbnb and Vrbo rentals can be convenient, but accidents can happen. Common hazards at these places aren’t unlike those at other hotels and places you might stay. This includes things like slippery floors, swimming pools, security lapses, electrical hazards, improperly prepared food, and poor maintenance. These can all lead to injuries such as:
- Broken bones or fractures
- Head injuries
- Muscle sprains
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Theft or assault
- Food poisoning
- Drowning or near-drowning in pools or water sources
Awareness of these risks and knowing how to respond can help you strengthen any potential claims for your damages. Once you decide on that course of action, our team will be there to support you.
Contact Maison Law After a Turlock Airbnb or Vrbo Accident
When you stay at an Airbnb or Vrbo in Turlock, you expect a peaceful, comfortable experience. Unfortunately, you’re quite vulnerable to accidents and injuries there, but you have legal options. At Maison Law, we’re here to help you through this difficult time. We’ll answer your questions, provide necessary guidance, and help you build a solid claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to begin the process.
