What To Know About Vrbo Injuries

The Rights Of A Vrbo Guest 

As a Vrbo guest, you have the right to be safe. If a host treats you inappropriately, report the misconduct to Vrbo, who will investigate it to determine if any of its policies have been violated. 

However, Vrbo requires guests to book rental properties on their platforms and to travel responsibly. A guest’s rights may not be guaranteed by the company if they book a property using another site or fail to act responsibly.

How Accidents Happen In Vrbo Rentals

Slips and falls can be caused by torn/loose carpets, obstructions on the floor/walkways, loose railing, poor lighting, broken steps, and wet floors.

Vrbo properties with swimming pools put guests at high risk of drowning if proper safety measures are not put into place, such as installing fences and having clear depth markers and safety signs.

Carbon monoxide poisoning cases in Vrbo rental properties are mainly triggered by poorly maintained or installed heating systems. 

Oak and poison ivy are the leading allergens linked to allergy reactions reported in Vrbo properties.

Lastly, if a property owner fails to eliminate electric hazards like exposed wiring and defective appliances, a guest may be susceptible to electric shocks and burns.

Call a Las Vegas premises liability lawyer if you are involved in any of these accidents to understand your options.

How Vrbo Prevents Accidents

Vrbo has set rules that hosts must observe to maintain safety. According to Vrbo’s home safety features, a host must install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms outside every sleeping area and in the bedroom(s). All alarms in the property must be connected so they all sound when one goes off. Flashing alarms should also be installed to notify guests with hearing impairment of danger.

Vrbo hosts are required to have fire extinguishers, first aid kits, working locks on doors and windows, and a well-lit interior and exterior. Vrbo rentals are prohibited from having oak and poison ivy. Hosts should regularly mow their yards and remove these allergens.

Liability When You Are Injured On A Vrbo Property

Liability is a complicated matter when it comes to Vrbo claims. 

Since Vrbo has clearly stated the safety features that hosts must follow, it may deny responsibility if a host fails to implement any, resulting in a guest sustaining an injury, like when a guest slips and falls due to an obstruction on the walkway or poor lighting in the exterior or when a guest suffers carbon monoxide poisoning because the alarms lack working batteries and fail to go off.

However, Vrbo may be responsible for a guest’s injuries and must conduct background screening of hosts to ensure they only partner with reliable people. The company should respond appropriately to guests’ complaints about a host. 

If Vrbo continues to partner with a host who has proved negligent or whose identity is questionable, it may be liable when a guest is injured on the host’s property.

In some cases, a guest may be found partially or fully liable for their injuries, like when you are injured while walking in the dark on the property instead of switching the lights on or when you spill a drink on the floor and slip and fall. You may also be answerable for an injury caused by an improper use of a feature/amenity on the property and when you are injured while under the influence of alcohol.

How To Prove Liability In Vrbo Claims

To identify the responsible party in a premises liability claim, you need to gather evidence. Take pictures and videos of the location of the incident and your injury. Then, witness statements from other people on the property or anyone who may have known about the dangerous condition, such as a neighbor who might have seen a similar incident happen to a previous guest, should be obtained.

Don’t forget to use the provided first aid kit to treat your injuries. If you need medical attention, immediately call 911.

Liability Insurance

Property owners usually protect themselves from Vrbo claims by purchasing insurance policies, the primary one being the $1M Liability Insurance issued by Vrbo. This policy provides coverage when a guest files a claim against a host upon an injury. 

It also protects hosts from property damage claims made by a third party, like a neighbor. If a guest damages a neighbor’s property during a party, the neighbor makes a claim against the host.

Some hosts work with other insurance providers in addition to the platform’s $1M Liability Insurance policy for added protection. 

Work With A Premises Liability Lawyer

A Vrbo accident can result in serious injuries, including head injuries, back injuries, burns, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, sprains and strains, cuts and lacerations, bruising, hypoxemia, and difficulty breathing.

These injuries can lead to costly damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering, among other damages.

A Nevada premises liability lawyer can help you with your case, from gathering evidence to filing your claim. Accordingly, you can receive compensation without difficulties.

Our experts at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, are skilled at defending the rights of those injured on someone else’s property due to negligence. They will ensure you are always well-informed about your case.