What to Do if You're Injured on an Airbnb or Vrbo Stay - What You Need to Know

Your Weekend Getaway Just Took a Turn: What to Do If You're Injured on an Airbnb or Vrbo Stay 

You booked a cozy cabin or a chic city loft for a weekend escape. The plan? Unwind, explore, and make great memories. But then—bam. A loose step, a wobbly chair, or a slick floor turns your relaxing getaway into a painful ordeal. 

Getting injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo rental isn’t something most people think about when planning their trip, but accidents happen. Whether it's a slip on a poorly maintained staircase or a fall due to a broken railing, knowing what to do next can make all the difference. 

If your vacation rental leaves you with more than just memories, our Airbnb injury lawyer explains what you need to know. 

1. Get Medical Attention 

Your health comes first. Even if the injury doesn’t seem severe, have a doctor check it out. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, might not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation not only ensures you’re properly treated but also creates documentation that could be crucial if you decide to pursue a claim later. 

If the injury is serious, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital. If it's manageable but still concerning, head to an urgent care clinic. Either way, make sure to keep copies of your medical records and receipts. 

2. Document the Scene

The more evidence you gather, the better. If you’re physically able, take clear photos and videos of the hazard that caused your injury. Capture the surroundings, lighting conditions, and any missing safety features—such as a lack of handrails or warning signs. 

If anyone witnessed the incident, get their contact information. Their statements could be valuable if you need to prove what happened. 

3. Report the Incident 

Let the host know about your injury as soon as possible. Whether through Airbnb’s messaging system or direct communication, document the interaction. Keep records of your conversation, including any responses from the host. 

It’s also important to report the issue to the platform (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.). Most vacation rental services have systems in place to handle injury claims, but they don’t always work in favor of the guest. Filing a report ensures there’s an official record of the incident, which could help later if you pursue legal action. 

4. Understand Who’s Responsible 

Vacation rental hosts are expected to maintain a safe environment for their guests. If their negligence caused your injury—like failing to fix a broken deck or not disclosing a known hazard—they could be liable. 

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer host liability insurance, often covering up to $1 million in damages. But here’s the catch: these policies are designed to protect the host, not necessarily you. Getting compensation from them can be complicated, and they may deny claims that don’t fit their specific criteria. 

In some cases, the property owner’s homeowners’ insurance might also come into play. But insurance companies, whether it's Airbnb's, Vrbo's, or a private policy, aren’t quick to hand out settlements. They’ll look for ways to minimize payouts—or avoid them altogether. 

5. Know When to Call an Attorney

If your injuries are serious, medical bills are piling up, or the host (or platform) isn’t cooperating, it’s time to get legal help. A personal injury attorney can help determine if you have a case and what your best course of action is. 

Speak To Our Airbnb Injury Lawyer Today

At Keller & Keller, we’ve handled countless injury cases, including those involving vacation rental properties. We know how to deal with big platforms, insurance companies, and legal loopholes designed to protect them. 

If you’ve been injured at an Airbnb or Vrbo stay, don’t go through this alone. Contact Keller & Keller for a free consultation, and let’s talk about your options. We’re here to help you recover—physically, financially, and legally.