Booking an Airbnb or Vrbo should be the start of a carefree getaway, not the precursor to a trip to the emergency room. You expect comfort, safety, maybe even a touch of luxury. But when a broken stair, faulty outlet, or slick walkway sends you to the hospital instead of the beach, your dream vacation can become a nightmare of expenses and stress.
Suddenly, time off work adds pressure, recovery feels overwhelming, and you want to know: Who is responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Liability may fall on the property owner, the rental platform, or even a contractor who worked on the home.
Learn who you can hold liable for an Airbnb or other short-term rental injury and how our skilled premises liability lawyers can help with your case.
Common Hazards in Short-Term Rentals
Airbnbs may look cozy, but hidden dangers can lurk behind the décor. When owners cut corners on upkeep, guests pay the price.
Common hazards include:
- Broken Stairs or Flooring: Loose steps, uneven floorboards, or cracked tile can cause serious trips and falls.
- Unsafe Electrical Systems: Outdated wiring or overloaded outlets may spark fires or cause electrical shocks.
- Missing Safety Devices: A lack of smoke detectors or carbon monoxide alarms can leave guests vulnerable during emergencies.
- Unstable Structures: Unsecured railings, balconies, or decks can give way and cause serious injuries.
These problems aren’t freak accidents. They typically appear when owners neglect basic care and maintenance.
When Owners Are Liable
Ohio law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors, including those in short-term rentals. Like any landlord, they’re expected to fix or warn guests about hazards.
Issues can arise if:
- You fell because the staircase railing was loose and was never repaired.
- You inhaled smoke during a fire because the house had no working alarms.
- You were shocked when plugging in your laptop because the outlets were unsafe.
In each case, the owner could have prevented the danger. They may be held legally responsible for your injuries if they didn’t.
Can You Sue Airbnb or Vrbo?
Airbnb and Vrbo call themselves marketplaces that simply connect hosts with guests. That helps them sidestep responsibility but doesn’t always protect them from liability.
They may be accountable if:
- A property stays listed despite repeated complaints about unsafe conditions.
- The platform advertises safety features, like working smoke detectors, that aren’t there.
- A listing is promoted as “verified” but fails to meet basic safety standards.
In these cases, you may have a valid claim against the platform.
When Contractors Are at Fault
Property owners often hire third-party workers like electricians, cleaners, or builders. But when their work is careless or unfinished, it creates risks for guests.
Examples include:
- An electrician wired outlets incorrectly, causing a fire.
- A cleaning crew left wet floors or chemical residue that led to a fall.
- A contractor built a deck that collapsed because it wasn’t secured properly.
When negligence like this causes harm, the contractor or service provider may be responsible.
Why Airbnb’s Insurance May Not Be Enough
Airbnb’s host liability insurance sounds generous; it covers up to $1 million. But the coverage is limited. It often applies only after the owner’s insurance and may exclude certain accidents entirely.
That can mean:
- Long delays before you see compensation.
- Exclusions that leave some accidents uncovered.
- Payouts that don’t come close to covering your real losses.
Understanding your options for compensation and taking steps early can help you recover the full costs of your injury.
What To Do After an Injury at a Short-Term Rental
An injury on vacation is overwhelming, but quick action can protect your health and claim. Here’s what to do:
- Get Medical Care Immediately: Even if the injury feels minor, treatment creates a record and prevents the condition from worsening.
- Take Photos and Video: Document the hazard, the surrounding area, and your injuries to show what happened.
- Report the Incident: Provide written notice to the property owner and the rental platform to establish an official report of the incident.
- Save all Records: Keep medical bills, receipts for travel changes, and notes about missed work to show the financial impact.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details from anyone who saw the accident or the unsafe condition.
- Speak to an Attorney: Contact a qualified premises liability attorney who can explain your legal options and pursue the support you deserve from the at-fault party.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, our team has decades of experience handling premises liability cases, including injuries at short-term rentals. Our team investigates what happened, establishes liability, and pursues the maximum compensation necessary for your recovery.
Protect Your Future With Qualified Legal Support
An injury at an Airbnb, Vrbo, or other short-term rental can leave you facing unexpected expenses, lost wages, and the challenges of recovery. At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we shoulder that burden and fight for your rights when owners or insurers try to avoid responsibility.
Our team negotiates directly with insurance companies. And if they refuse to treat you fairly, we’re ready to take your case to court. We present clear evidence showing how the accident happened and what it has cost you.
Contact us today for a free, confidential case review.
