Fort Myers Airbnb Accident Lawyer

An Airbnb is like your home away from home. You may look for nothing more than just a comfortable bed at an economical price. Or you may be searching for a home with Wi-Fi and plenty of room to kick back and relax for a few days.

Since its inception in August 2008, Airbnb has grown exponentially. The company's app makes it easy for guests to connect with hosts who want to rent out a room or their entire home.

Staying at a Fort Myers Airbnb can be both comfortable and convenient. Just keep in mind that the owner or operator of the Airbnb is responsible for cleaning and maintaining the property. Someone could get hurt if the host doesn't uphold this duty of care.

The Short-Term Rental Market in Florida

The global pandemic of 2020 and 2021 dramatically reshaped travel, housing, and the short-term rental market. These changes led to unprecedented success in the short-term rental sector and a transformed travel environment. While some cities and states continue to grapple with the aftermath of the shutdowns, others—particularly Florida—are exceeding pre-pandemic performance levels.

According to estimates from Visit Florida, the state welcomed 36 million visitors in the first quarter of 2022, marking a 14% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. In 2021, Florida saw 118 million domestic tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic visitation figures.

Initially, recovery was anticipated by 2024, but Florida has consistently set new travel records each quarter. In the first quarter of 2022, 1.3 million international travelers visited the state, reflecting a nearly 169% increase from the same period in 2021. This surge puts Florida 14 percentage points ahead of the rest of the U.S. in terms of overseas visitor recovery. Colombia has emerged as Florida’s largest international market, with 710,000 visitors in 2021. Additionally, hotel revenues reached $17.3 billion in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while vacation rental occupancy saw a nearly 30% increase from 2019.

Common Dangers at a Fort Myers Airbnb

A Fort Myers Airbnb gives you added flexibility to choose the location, size, and amenities than what you'd find you'd like. You may even pay less than if you stayed at a hotel or resort.

Staying at a hotel or Airbnb may seem similar. However, there are a few key differences to keep in mind.

• Cleaning and maintenance: One key difference to remember is that hotels and resorts often have hired staff to clean and maintain their property. While an Airbnb owner might use an outside company to take on these tasks, they could clean and maintain the property themselves.
• Safety equipment: An Airbnb may not have the typical safety equipment you’d expect, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, or first aid kits. An Airbnb with a pool may not have reaching poles, lifejackets, or be secured by fences.

Other possible dangers of staying at an Airbnb include:

• Missing or loose handrails or railings around stairs and outside walkways
• Broken steps
• Roof leaks
• Appliances or heating systems that may not be up to code
• Mold
• Pest or rodent infestations
• Worn or ripped carpeting
• Uneven grading or holes in the yard
• Cracked or broken pavement
• Safety issues caused by inadequate lighting at the entrance, driveway, or other areas around the home
• Overloaded outlets or other electrical hazards
• Door locks that are broken or not reprogrammed after each stay
• Chemical burns
• Furniture that is broken or poorly constructed
• Recreational equipment, like swing sets or trampolines, which hasn't been maintained

Seeking Compensation in a Fort Myers Airbnb Accident?

Hosts who rent out homes or rooms using Airbnb, or any other vacation rental site are responsible for keeping a safe premises for visitors. They should regularly inspect their property and repair known defects. The host is also responsible for fixing or notifying guests of conditions they should have been reasonably aware of.

When the host fails to uphold this duty of care, and you get hurt, they could be liable. However, you must prove the injuries you've suffered resulted from the host's negligence.

In some cases, you might pursue compensation from the homeowner, yet other times - you might seek damages from Airbnb. Given the complicated nature of an Airbnb accident case, it's a good idea to speak with the best Fort Myers accident lawyer you can call. You better understand your legal rights and decide what steps you should take next.

Steps to Take if Hurt at a Fort Myers Airbnb

If you or someone in your family has been hurt while staying at an Airbnb, below are some critical steps to take.

• Seek Medical Help: Regardless of how severe the injury is, you should always seek medical attention when you've been involved in an accident. Sometimes, injuries aren't always apparent when the accident happens, so you want to get checked out early so you don't cause any further damage. Seeing a doctor or medical professional also helps to establish when the accident and injury occurred.
• Get Physical Documentation: Use your smartphone to preserve as much detail from the accident scene as possible. Get pictures or videos that show where the accident happened, anything that may have contributed to the accident, and the resulting damage.
• Report the Incident: It's essential to notify the homeowner and Airbnb of the accident immediately. This step can start the claims process.
• Speak with a Fort Myers Accident Lawyer: Understanding your legal rights when you've been gravely injured is crucial. A Fort Myers Airbnb accident attorney can advise you of your rights and discuss possible legal options to secure compensation for the injuries you've suffered.

Why Call a Fort Myers Airbnb Accident Law Firm?

Since 1963, the team at Wolfson & Leon has sought justice for people badly hurt by someone else's negligence. If you were injured while staying at a Fort Myers Airbnb or another vacation rental property, we encourage you to contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Our Fort Myers Airbnb accident lawyers can help you navigate the premises liability and other complicated rules surrounding short-term rentals. We know the pain and stress a severe accident can place on you and your family, and we tirelessly pursue the best settlement possible on your behalf.

If you have a legal claim you would like to pursue, our Fort Myers accident attorneys work on a contingent fee. Under this arrangement, you only pay for our legal services if we settle your case. You can get the legal representation you need without stressing your household budget.

Our legal services extend beyond Airbnb accidents in Fort Myers. We also help people injured while staying at an Airbnb in surrounding communities like North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Babcock Ranches, and Vanderbilt Beach.

If you've been injured in an Airbnb accident in Fort Myers, Wolfson & Leon is here to help. Contact us today at 239-777-9954.

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