It’s common for both Floridians and out-of-state visitors to lease beach houses for vacation purposes. Entering another person’s property inherently involves the risk of encountering potentially hazardous conditions. However, this risk may be heightened during an extended stay at such a location, particularly if one lacks prior familiarity with the rental property. Please continue reading as we explore the steps to take if you sustain an injury while staying at a vacation rental property, and how our experienced Manatee County Slip and Fall Lawyers can assist you in holding the responsible party accountable for their negligence.
Who is Liable for My Injury at a Vacation Rental?
Property owners or hosts are typically liable for injuries at vacation rentals if the injury was caused by a hazardous condition they were aware of, or should have been aware of. However, liability can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.
If a professional management company were in charge of maintaining the premises, it could be held liable for failing to do so. Additionally, third parties like a cleaning crew, a contractor, or even a manufacturer of a defective product could also bear liability for your damages.
What Should I Do if I Sustain an Injury During My Stay?
Following your accident at a vacation rental property, even if you don’t initially feel injured, contact emergency services. Their official report will provide critical, unbiased documentation of the accident’s immediate aftermath.
In addition, you should take proactive steps to gather evidence. Utilize your smartphone or any available camera to capture photos and videos of the specific hazardous condition that led to your injury. This may include a loose handrail, a slippery surface, poor lighting, or any other defect on the property. This will provide irrefutable proof of the hazardous condition’s existence at the time of your accident.
After you have gathered this evidence, you should notify the property owner or host of the vacation rental property of the incident. This can be achieved through the official booking platform (such as Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, or a similar service) or via any other contact information they have explicitly provided. This will create a record of your communication.
Failing to follow these steps can severely undermine the strength of your premises liability claim. In a legal dispute, the responsible party may attempt to challenge your narrative. They may employ a legal strategy to disconnect your injuries and damages from your stay at their vacation rental. They may suggest that your injuries were sustained elsewhere, or that the hazard you claim caused the accident did not exist or was not a contributing factor. Therefore, diligent documentation and prompt reporting are vital to safeguard your rights.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact an attorney at Becker & Lindauer, LLC.
