I Was Injured at an AirBnB. Can I Receive Compensation for My Damages?

 Posted on September 02,2020 in Premises Liability

Airbnb is an online marketplace allowing guests to temporarily rent the homes and apartments of other individuals. Unlike a traditional bed and breakfast in which the host provides meals and housekeeping services, Airbnb hosts may never even meet the guests in person. Many people have positive experiences renting Airbnb homes during their vacation, but others find themselves staying in unsafe, unsanitary, and unwelcoming dwellings. If you or a loved one were injured while staying in an Airbnb, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability claim.

Airbnb Owners Have a Legal Duty to Prevent Foreseeable Injuries

According to the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property owners and managers have a legal obligation to ensure that their property is free of unreasonable hazards that present a risk of injury to lawful visitors. Individuals renting living spaces through Airbnb are also subject to premises liability laws. Although an Airbnb owner or operator may not be able to prevent injuries stemming from the guests’ own actions, he or she does have a duty to prevent injuries caused by unsafe conditions on the property. The owner or operator should ensure that the property is well-maintained, clean, and secure. Examples of Airbnb injuries that may lead to premises liability claims include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Damaged staircases, broken handrails, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, loose flooring, and other environmental hazards may cause a guest to slip, trip, or fall and become seriously injured.
• Infections Caused by Poor Sanitation: An Airbnb should be properly cleaned – not only for the guests’ comfort, but also to prevent the spread of disease. If a guest experiences a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection due to unsanitary conditions in the home, he or she may have a valid personal injury claim.
• Bedbugs: Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They often hide in mattresses and other furniture. If an Airbnb owner knew or should have known about a bed bug infestation, he or she may be liable for injuries and property damages caused by the insects.
• Intentional Violence: Sadly, some Airbnb guests have been the victims of sexual assault and other acts of violence. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact a Lake County Airbnb Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt while staying in an Airbnb, contact the talented Waukegan premises liability attorneys at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. to discuss your legal options. Call us today at 847-662-3303 and schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis which means that you only pay a fee if we obtain financial compensation for you.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048