Who is Liable for an Injury at an Airbnb?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Airbnb and other house-sharing services can be a great way for homeowners to earn extra cash and a way for travelers to enjoy the comforts of home while paying less than they would for a hotel.  But something that most hosts and renters do not consider?  What happens if someone is injured during his or her stay at an Airbnb rental? Most travelers know that a hotel has a legal duty to keep its guests safe.  When a guest slips on poorly maintained stairs, takes a fall because of a loose railing, or is hit on the head by a falling shelf, that guest can usually file a lawsuit against the hotel seeking damages.  Most hotels have the resources and insurance to properly cover any medical bills resulting from a personal injury on their property.  Most Airbnb hosts do not. And in contrast to a hotel, Airbnb rentals do not typically have a full-time maintenance or housekeeping crew, employ lifeguards or security staff, undergo regular electrical and fire safety inspections, and so on.  You’re staying in someone’s home, and more accidents occur at home than anywhere else.  What happens if an Airbnb guest is hurt? Airbnb offers something called “Host Protection Insurance” to the people who rent out their properties on Airbnb.  It provides up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries to guests and damage to the property.  If an Airbnb guest is injured in the rented property or in the common area of a rented property, such as a shared parking garage or building lobby, he or she is eligible to pursue an insurance claim for their injury. Not all injury claims would be valid.  For example, injuries sustained that are not the result of an accident could be challenged by Airbnb.  Pursuing an injury claim with Airbnb is something an experienced personal injury law firm can help with.  The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth can help injured Airbnb guests recover physically and financially from their unexpected injuries.  Call us today at 888-517-9888 to receive a free injury consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]