When you head out on vacation, the focus should be on exploring new places, enjoying local food, and finally taking time to relax. Many travelers choose an Airbnb, Vrbo, or traditional vacation home for a more comfortable stay. But what if the property isn’t properly maintained and you get hurt? Hazards like broken stairs, loose railings, or slippery floors can turn a relaxing getaway into a stressful ordeal. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their rentals safe for guests, and if their negligence causes your injury, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim.
Because multiple parties and insurance policies may be involved, vacation rental injury cases are often more complex than standard personal injury claims. This guide from DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers outlines the key steps to take if you’re hurt at a rental property. With more than 20 years of experience handling premises liability cases throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our team is prepared to guide you through this challenging and stressful process.
Immediate Steps To Take After an Injury at a Vacation Home
1. Get Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Seek medical attention right away. Call 911 in an emergency or visit a local clinic if the situation is less urgent. Seeing a doctor ensures you receive the proper treatment and creates a medical record that can serve as important evidence if you decide to file a legal claim. Even if your injury seems minor, a medical professional can determine the true severity and help prevent further complications.
2. Document the Incident
Document any proof you can as soon as possible. This will help paint a clear picture in your case. Try to gather the following while you’re still on site:
- Pictures and videos of the hazardous conditions (e.g., loose step, wet floor, faulty railing), your visible injury, and the entire rental space
- Names and contact information of any witnesses, including staff members
- The name and contact information of the property owner or manager
- A detailed written account of the incident, including the date, time, and how the injury occurred
- All receipts and documents from your stay
If you’re vacationing with friends or family, you can also ask them to help you collect these documents.
3. Identify Responsible Parties for Your Vacation Home Injury
Premises liability for vacation rentals can be complex since they may involve multiple parties. That’s why it’s important for you to figure out who’s responsible. Here is a list of potential liable parties:
- Property owner
- Property management company or individual manager
- A third-party maintenance or repair company (if the hazard was due to their negligence)
- Vacation rental platform (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo)
4. Notify the Property Owner or Manager About the Injury
Inform the property owner or manager about your injury in writing. This serves as an official notice and an opportunity for them to inspect the hazard. Simply state what happened. Avoid downplaying the incident and do not admit to fault. You should also avoid engaging in long conversations. If the owner or manager tries to explain that they’re not at fault or convince you not to pursue a case, have them speak to your attorney. Remember, your goal in this step is to notify the property owner or manager of the facts of the incidents.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
Avoid saying phrases like “I’m sorry” or “it was my fault” to anyone, including the property owner or manager. The property owner’s insurance company may use those statements to deny or reduce your claim. For your protection, it is best not to admit fault. You should also direct all communication about the accident through your rental property injury attorney.
Understanding Liability and Insurance Coverage for Vacation Home Injuries
When a vacation home owner opens their property to guests, they assume premises liability, the legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. In Boston, they are required by law to ensure the interior and exterior of their properties follow all city guidelines.
If your accident is a result of the vacation home owner’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Examples of coverage include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Claims are typically paid through the owner’s homeowner’s insurance or a commercial liability policy if the property is a business. While liability for vacation rental platforms is often limited, some platforms provide owners and property managers with liability protection. For example, Vrbo has $1M liability insurance coverage.
To get the compensation you deserve, you need compassionate, skilled, and aggressive legal representation. At DiBella Law, we’ve earned a stellar reputation locally and regionally because of our dedication to our clients and community. We have experience dealing with various insurance companies, so we are familiar with their tactics and know how to respond accordingly. We have successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts when advocating for our clients. To get free legal advice from us, contact us for a consultation today. There is no fee unless we win.
How To File an Injury Claim for an Accident at a Vacation Home
If you decide to pursue a case, here is a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when filing a claim after you’ve been injured at a vacation home:
- Have an initial consultation with a rental property injury attorney.
- Gather evidence and investigate the incident.
- File a claim with the responsible party’s insurance.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance.
- If negotiations fail, file a lawsuit.
A skilled attorney can help you build a strong case and work toward the best possible outcome. At DiBella Law, Every Case is Personal. We take the time to listen to your story and provide representation tailored to your needs. No one plans for an accident during their vacation, but when it happens, our team is committed to easing the burden. We make the process as convenient as possible by meeting you where you are and using technology such as Zoom calls, online pain charts, and our mobile app for seamless communication. You can also hear directly from our clients about their experiences with our firm.
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers Today
When you’ve been injured at a vacation home, you’re dealing with an overwhelming situation in a city that you’re most likely unfamiliar with. We understand how stressful that can be, and we want to help alleviate some of that stress with our skilled legal representation. DiBella Law has over 20 years of experience fighting and winning for personal injury victims in Boston, and we can handle the complexities of vacation home injury cases.
Get your free consultation now, and learn about your legal options with our 30-day trial period. During this period, you can experience our risk-free services, and if you’re unsatisfied at any point, you can cancel your agreement without any penalties or financial obligations. We also won’t charge you a fee if we don’t win your case, and we’ll meet you at your preferred location if you can’t come to us. That’s the DiBella Difference Guarantee.