What happens if I’m injured at an Airbnb?

Airbnb stays becoming more common throughout Pennsylvania

Airbnb has grown rapidly over the last several years, including in Northeastern Pennsylvania; the Poconos have become an Airbnb hot spot. Monroe County was Airbnb's third-most profitable county in Pennsylvania in 2019 behind Philadelphia and Allegheny (Pittsburgh). Hosts in Monroe County made nearly $19 million that year renting their homes to visitors and tourists. In addition, Airbnb listings are available from Scranton to Philadelphia, and all over the state.

As Airbnb becomes an increasingly popular way to book accommodations, guests should be aware of their rights in case something goes wrong.

While Airbnb's website advertises a careful vetting process for hosts and provides home safety recommendations, the company cannot guarantee that the homes listed on their platform are free from hazards. Common injuries you may sustain at someone else's home include:

• Slip and falls resulting in concussion, broken bones, spinal injury, sprains, or serious cuts.
• Burns
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

If I'm hurt at an Airbnb, who is responsible?

Getting compensation for your injury at an Airbnb can be complicated. In many cases, the host's homeowner's insurance won't cover your injury without separate business insurance, because the home is being used as a place of business. At the same time, Airbnb typically denies liability for injuries sustained at properties booked on their platform so it is difficult to bring a successful claim against the company itself. However, there is a third option called Host Protection Insurance. Airbnb provides their hosts with this special type of insurance protection in the event that their guest gets hurt and wishes to file a lawsuit. Host Protection Insurance covers many common types of accidents, but there are some exceptions. For instance, it does not cover bodily injuries caused by intentional acts (assault, for example), natural disasters, pollutants, and defective products.

Your options for filing a legal claim for an Airbnb injury will depend on your specific circumstances. A personal injury lawyer experienced in premises liability and Airbnb claims can determine what sources of recovery are available to you. Additionally, a lawyer can help you navigate the complicated claims process, fight back against denials of liability, and make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.

What should I do after an accident at an Airbnb?

First, seek medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, some injuries like concussions are difficult to diagnose with the naked eye.  Oftentimes, you may not realize how badly you've been hurt until some time has passed. Having a record of your treatment will be very important in getting compensated for your injury.

Secondly, if possible, take photos of the condition or hazard that caused you to get hurt. Take photos of your injury as well.

Next, you can file a claim with Airbnb. Do not accept any offer of settlement from the host or Airbnb until you have consulted with a personal injury lawyer.