South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Airbnb has become a popular option for travelers in Florida, the United States, and even the world. Cheaper accommodations and increased privacy are just some of the reasons people choose Airbnb over traditional hotels. While most people stay at these properties without incident, the reality is that accidents do happen. If you have been injured at an Airbnb property, you need to reach out to a seasoned Miami premises liability attorney who can protect your rights. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we will look into the facts of your case and come up with a legal strategy accordingly.
Airbnb is an online community marketplace that connects people looking to rent their homes with individuals looking for accommodations. Since Airbnb’s founding in 2008, 140 million guests have stayed at these properties. In cities like Paris, San Francisco, and Seattle, the size of the host-and-guest community in 2016 approached or exceeded 20 percent of the population. In 2016, the company reported more than 750,000 guests in Florida.
As with any other type of property, people can get injured at these short-term rentals. The types of injuries that can occur include:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents;
- Electrical fires and burns;
- Poor lighting causing accidents;
- Broken furniture or cabinets injuring guests;
- Broken stairs or steps causing falls or traumatic injuries; and
- Broken tiles or pavers leading to injuries.
Property owners owe different duties to visitors on their land, depending on the type of visitor. Visitors in Florida can be categorized in one of three ways: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. An invitee is someone who enters property for business purposes (i.e., a paying customer) and is due the highest duty of care. An Airbnb guest would be considered an ‘invitee’ under Florida law. As a result, the Airbnb host must exercise a certain degree of care to make sure the property is in a reasonably safe condition so that guests who visit are safe. Hosts would likely be held to the same standard of care as a hotel or other business and may be liable for injuries that occur as a result of their negligence.
Under Airbnb’s “Terms of Service,” guests agree not to sue Airbnb for an injury. Those who are injured in an Airbnb may be able to receive a financial recovery for their losses through Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance. This policy provides one million dollars worth of coverage for the bodily injury and property damage claims of third parties. The policy covers situations such as slip and falls or when a guest is injured while using a treadmill. The insurance does not cover intentional acts (i.e., assault) committed by the host or any other insured party.
Typically, an injured guest can recover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. It is important to note that Airbnb liability does not apply to lost earnings, product liability, pollution, and acts of terrorism, as well as other situations.
If you were injured at an Airbnb rental, you need to reach out to a skilled Miami premises liability attorney who can evaluate your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we are committed to helping you find the answers you need. You can rest assured that we will make every effort to get you the compensation you deserve to move on with your life. With years of experience, we understand how to navigate these types of claims. For more information, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
More Blog Posts:
Summary Judgment in Florida Personal Injury Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Crush Injuries Florida, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017
Preponderance of the Evidence Standard in Florida Civil Cases, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg, November 2, 2017