Staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental can be a fun and affordable alternative to hotels, but what happens if you’re injured during your stay? Whether it’s a slip and fall, broken stairs, or unsafe conditions in the home, accidents can lead to serious injuries and legal confusion. If you’ve been injured at a vacation rental, here’s what you should know about your rights and next steps.
Who’s Liable When an Accident Occurs?
When an injury happens on someone else’s property, it often falls under premises liability law. This means the property owner or Airbnb host could be held responsible if they failed to maintain a safe environment. Common hazards include wet floors, loose handrails, poor lighting, or a lack of smoke detectors.
If the host knew about a danger and didn’t fix it—or didn’t warn you—they may be liable. But things can get tricky, especially when Airbnb is involved, because you’re not staying in a traditional hotel with clear commercial policies.
Does Airbnb Offer Insurance for Injuries?
Yes—but with limits.
Airbnb provides two main types of coverage to protect both guests and hosts:
- Airbnb Host Protection Insurance: This offers up to $1 million in coverage for third-party bodily injury claims. If you’re injured due to a host’s negligence, this coverage may apply.
- Host Guarantee: This is meant to cover property damage, not personal injury.
While these policies might sound helpful, filing a liability claim through Airbnb can be complex. Airbnb often tries to shift responsibility to the host, while the host may argue it’s Airbnb’s problem. That’s where having an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.
What to Do If You’re Injured at a Vacation Rental
If you’ve been injured while staying at an Airbnb, take these steps right away:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Even minor injuries can turn serious later.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and video of where the accident occurred. Note any unsafe conditions.
- Report the Injury: Notify the Airbnb host and Airbnb itself through the platform.
- Save Records: Keep copies of medical bills, travel expenses, and any communication with the host or Airbnb.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating an Airbnb injury claim isn’t easy. A lawyer can help you determine who’s responsible and how to file a claim.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your injury was caused by negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain & Suffering
- Ongoing Treatment or Rehab Costs
Each case is different, and success depends on proving the host’s negligence or that Airbnb failed to act responsibly.
Trust the Grabb & Durando Team to Represent You
At Grabb & Durando, we understand the challenges of being injured while on vacation, especially when you’re dealing with Airbnb’s host liability insurance and confusing policies. Our accident attorneys are here to help you pursue fair compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. Let our legal team handle the hard part so you can focus on healing.
