Fort Lauderdale VRBO Injury Attorney
Vrbo is a popular online marketplace for reserving vacation rental properties in Florida. The convenience and price of renting a private home is often very attractive for vacationers looking for an alternative to a traditional hotel. At the same time, however, Vrbo properties typically do not provide the same level of service or security as hotels or corporate resorts.
This can raise concerns if you are injured in an accident while staying at a Vrbo property. You may be unsure if the property owner–or Vrbo itself–can be held financially responsible for your damages. An experienced Fort Lauderdale VRBO injury attorney can help. At Boone & Davis, we represent clients who have suffered physical and financial losses while staying in short-term vacation rentals.
Vrbo, Property Owners Can Be Held Liable for Guest Injuries
Guests of short-term vacation rentals like those offered on Vrbo are considered “invitees” under Florida premises liability law. Basically, since you are on the property at the invitation of the owner, you are owed a heightened standard of care while on the premises. The owner has a legal responsibility to keep your Vrbo rental in a reasonably safe condition. This includes correcting any known (or easily discovered) dangerous condition that might lead to an accidental injury.
Some common examples of dangerous conditions include:
- a broken or defective staircase that poses a tripping hazard;
- inadequate lighting in stairwells and entrances;
- an improperly maintained pool;
- a bedbug infestation;
- untreated mold that leads to sickness; and
- assault due to a lack of security.
Vrbo does provide $1 million in liability insurance for owners and property managers. These policies may exclude certain types of injuries, however, and the property owner’s own insurance may not provide adequate coverage. This is one reason it is critical to engage a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following an accident. You should never assume that Vrbo or a homeowners’ insurance policy will pay for your damages–at least not without a fight.
As with any Florida personal injury claim, if you are injured in an accident on a Vrbo-rented property, you can seek a wide range of potential damages, including but not limited to your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and future income earning potential, and non-economic damages to cover your pain and suffering. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case there may be a number of at-fault parties who can be held responsible for these losses, including Vrbo, the rental property owner, their management company, and of course their respective insurance companies.
Contact Boone & Davis Today
You should always seek medical attention and carefully document any injury you sustain on a rental property. It is also a good idea to contact a skilled Fort Lauderdale VRBO accident attorney who can review your case and advise you of your legal options moving forward. Contact the offices of Boone & Davis today to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
