Airbnb has boomed in Australia since it started in 2012. It was estimated that, between 2016 and 2019, there were nearly 350,000 properties listed at any one time. Despite a recent reduction in the number of properties due to the pandemic and closed borders, Airbnb still holds a major presence across Australia.
In 2018, a four-year-old boy was killed after a swing set fell on him while staying at a Sunshine Coast Airbnb property. While this is an extreme and tragic example, it shows that serious accidents can and will happen while staying at an Airbnb.
So – as we approach the summer holidays and countless Queenslanders take some time away, it’s worth considering what to do if you are injured while staying in an Airbnb.
Can you make a claim if you’re injured while staying in an Airbnb?
Yes – you can make a personal injury claim while staying in an Airbnb.
Airbnb covers their hosts with up to $1 million USD in the event they are found responsible for a guest being injured while staying at their property.
Hosts have a responsibility to ensure their property is safe for people to stay. If they fail on this responsibility, and a guest is hurt as a direct result, the guest has a legal right to seek compensation.
What kind of injuries can you claim for?
You can seek compensation for any injury sustained while staying at an Airbnb that is the direct result of a host’s negligence.
As each Airbnb property is different, this can cover an almost infinite number of scenarios; however, in order to have a claim, your injury must meet the following criteria:
- The injury was sustained while on the host’s property; and
- the injury was the result of the negligent actions of the host.
This could include injures like:
- Tripping and falling due to uneven or unsafe surfaces.
- Using furniture on the property that is faulty and injures the guest.
- Falling through stairs that have severe rot.
How to claim for an injury sustained while staying at an Airbnb
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. You should also report the incident and consequences to your host.
After your injuries have been examined by a health professional, get in contact with Gouldson.
We’ll be able walk you through all the required steps, take all the necessary details and handle every aspect of the claim from start to finish.
What can you seek compensation for?
If you are injured while staying at an Airbnb property, you may be able to seek compensation for:
- The cost of medical treatment.
- Ongoing rehabilitation costs.
- Any loss of income, both past and estimated future.
- The cost of care and support services.
- General damages, including pain and suffering as well as reduction in quality of life.
- Any other expenses caused by the injury, depending on your individual situation.
Ultimately, each case is as unique as the person filing it. That’s why getting a qualified personal injury lawyer on your side early on is invaluable, helping examine your case from all angles and ensuring you get the maximum benefit from your settlement.
Gouldson can help you claim for an Airbnb injury
A Gouldson personal injury lawyer can assist you with every stage of your claim, ensuring you can have peace of mind while you focus on your recovery.
We’ve helped thousands of Queenslanders get the compensation they deserve, and every single case we represent is backed by our no win, no fee guarantee.
Plus, unlike other personal injury law firms, we cap our fees at 30% of your total settlement amount. This means more of your money in your pocket – simple.
Get started with a free case review today and one of our lawyers will look over your situation and let you know if proceeding with a claim is in your best interest.