The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan helps anyone that’s been injured in a premises liability accident in San Francisco. While Airbnb or Vrbo rentals offer a cozy, home-like experience in Glendale, they can sometimes pose safety risks leading to accidents and injuries. If you’ve been injured and need guidance on your next steps, contact us today for a free consultation.

Do You Need Legal Help After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident in San Francisco?

Facing injuries in any situation is scary and stressful, yet it’s amplified when it happens at a rental like an Airbnb or Vrbo. It’s not like a hotel or a friend’s house, where you know exactly who to go to for help. You’re effectively alone in these environments, but you still have options. But you probably have legal questions, and whether or not you need legal help depends on the circumstances.

If your accident is minor, it probably won’t require legal action. However, because you can end up seriously injured in these types of situations, our team at MJQ Law can be a great help to you. We can:

• Explain your options
• Gather evidence
• Handle the insurance process
• Go after a fair resolution

We hope your injuries are minor and won’t need legal action. But if you do require legal help, count on us for support and guidance.

What Are Your Legal Options After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?

An accident at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental in San Francisco falls under “premises liability” law. While this has certain implications in terms of who is responsible for your injuries, what it gives you is the option to file an injury claim against the liable party or parties that caused the accident.

Your options don’t really change from there. Typically, there are two main ways you can recover “damages”:

• Insurance claim – You can file a claim with the owner’s liability insurance company. This process is less formal, with the insurer conducting an investigation and potentially offering a settlement. It’s important to note that insurers aim to minimize payouts.

• Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement is inadequate, our team can help you file a lawsuit in civil court. This involves preparing legal documents and presenting your case against those responsible.
  
  

The decision to accept an insurance settlement rests with you. In some cases, going with a lawsuit may be necessary to fully cover your financial losses. Depending on how well you present your claim, you can potentially recover:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
• Lost income or reduced earning capacity
• Costs for repairing or replacing damaged property
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death expenses
• Punitive damages for intentional negligence
  
  

Acting quickly is crucial due to California’s statute of limitations, typically two years from the accident date. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to file a claim and recover damages. Additionally, the party liable for your damages depends on the specifics of the incident.

Who’s Liable For Your Injuries in a San Francisco Airnbnb or Vrbo Accident?

Due to it being effectively a “premises liability” case, it gives you some clue into who’s actually liable for your accident and injuries. At the same time, liability can be complex, especially the more parties that are involved–which is virtually guaranteed when your case involves Airbnb or Vrbo.

Still, California’s “premises liability” laws require property owners to take reasonable precautions to keep their guests safe.

When an injury happens at an Airbnb or Vrbo, the property owner is generally held accountable due to their negligence. However, other parties could also bear responsibility:

• Airbnb or Vrbo – Although these companies typically get away from direct responsibility for accidents, they could be held liable if they were aware of safety issues and failed to act or if they did not adequately vet the hosts.
  
  
• Property manager – If a property manager was employed by the owner to oversee the property, they could be liable for inadequate maintenance or ignoring known hazards.
  
  
• Maintenance companies – If a maintenance or repair company was hired and their substandard work contributed to the accident, they could be held responsible.
  
  
• Product manufacturers – If a defective appliance or piece of furniture caused the injury, the manufacturer might be liable.
  
  
• Other guests – Liability might also extend to other guests if their actions directly resulted in the accident or injury.
  
  

While this outlines the general liability framework for accidents at San Francisco Airbnbs or Vrbo rentals, the actual responsibility depends heavily on the specifics of what happened. So, it’s important to look at what can happen and what you need to do.

What Normally Causes Airbnb or Vrbo Accidents?

Even though an Airbnb or Vrbo rental in San Francisco offers a more home-like experience, accidents can still happen, sometimes leading to injuries and the need for help. Here are some common ways you might get hurt during your stay:

• Wet or slippery floors – These can cause you to lose your balance and fall, potentially resulting in sprains, fractures, or bruises.
  
  
• Drownings or pool mishaps – Swimming pools without proper safety measures can be hazardous. Risks include slipping, falling, or even drowning if there are no lifeguards, safety signs, or adequate pool maintenance.
  
  
• Negligent security – Poor security can lead to theft or assault. This can occur if doors and windows don’t lock properly or if there are no security cameras or patrols at the property.
  
  
• Lack of maintenance – When a property is not well-maintained, issues like broken furniture, loose railings, or malfunctioning equipment can cause accidents.
  
  
• Broken floors – Cracked tiles, loose floorboards, or broken stairs can cause trips and falls, resulting in injuries.
  
  

Given the various scenarios, it’s clear how accidents can happen. However, rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo fall under California’s “premises liability” laws. This means that the property owner, whether a homeowner or a management company, is primarily responsible for ensuring your safety. If they fail in this duty and you get injured, they are typically held liable. However, you still need to put together a strong claim to succeed.

How Do You Strengthen Your Claim After an Airbnb or Vrbo Accident?

Getting hurt at an Airbnb or Vrbo can be both painful and confusing. Unfamiliar surroundings make it easier to be in accidents, and it can also make it difficult to know where

• Get medical care – Your first priority should be getting medical care. Call 911 or get first aid for immediate injuries, then visit an ER or urgent care for further treatment.
  
  
• Tell Airbnb or Vrbo about what happened – Inform the property owner or manager about the accident right away. Either the Airbnb or Vrbo will have their contact information. You’ll also want to tell them about the accident.
  
  
• Start collecting information and evidence – Document the accident by writing down details of what happened. Take photos or videos of any hazardous conditions that led to the accident. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened, as their statements can help verify your claim.
  
  
• Maintain your records and evidence – Keep records of all expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts for any other costs incurred due to your injury. These documents will help calculate the financial support you may be able to receive for your recovery.
  
  

While it can be stressful, taking these steps can strengthen your potential claim. Better yet, it also puts you on the right path for taking care of your health and safety. When it comes to your legal options, we’ll be there to stand up for your rights from start to finish.

Contact MJQ Law After a San Francisco Airbnb or Vrbo Accident

A visit to San Francisco gives you a lot of different things to do, as well as places to stay. Airbnb or Vrbo rentals might be homier, but you’re just as much at risk for injuries in an accident there as you are anywhere else. At MJQ Law, we’re here to help you through this difficult situation. We’ll answer your questions and make sure you have the support needed to build a strong claim. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.