If you've been injured while on vacation, and you were staying at an Airbnb, you might think that you can't receive compensation. Luckily, that's not the case. You might not realize this, but you might be able to receive compensation from the property owner, especially if you follow the right steps. When you stay at an Airbnb location, you're considered an invited guest, which means you have some protection against accidents and injuries. However, you do need to take the right steps to protect your rights. Here are four steps you need to take if you've been injured during your stay at an Airbnb.
Seek Immediate Medical Help
If you've suffered injuries while staying at an Airbnb, the first thing you need to do is seek immediate medical attention. If your injuries are serious, you should be seen at a nearby emergency room. That way, your injuries can be stabilized. Once you get home, you should continue with your medical care. Be sure to document all of the treatment you receive for your injuries. This should include the names and addresses for all of the physicians who provide treatment for you.
Ensure Documentation of Injuries
If you've been injured during your stay at an Airbnb, you might want to get out of there as quickly as possible. However, you need to stay long enough to document your injuries, as well as the area of the home that caused the injuries. For instance, if a loose step caused you to tumble down a flight of stairs, take plenty of pictures of the area. It's also a good idea to take a video of the stairs. That way, you have evidence to include with your injury claim.
File an Injury Claim With the Owner
If you're dealing with injuries sustained while staying at an Airbnb, you need to report the injuries as soon as possible. First, contact the property owner. Be sure to provide them with full details regarding the incident. Make sure you document the date and time of the report. Second, file an accident report with Airbnb. That way, they can document the incident, and help you with compensation.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured while vacationing at an Airbnb, don't wait too long to seek legal representation. In fact, you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you get home. That way, your attorney can get started on your personal injury claim right away. Contact a firm like William A. AndyLaw for more information.