Airbnb makes it easy to book unique stays, but accidents can still happen. From slip-and-fall injuries to unsafe property conditions, many guests don’t know what to do — or who is responsible — if they get hurt during their stay.
At Peck Trial Attorneys, our Boston personal injury lawyers help clients who have been injured at Airbnbs recover compensation. Below, we answer the most common questions about Airbnb accidents, liability, and your legal rights.
What Are the Most Common Airbnb Accidents?
While most rentals are safe, injuries at Airbnb properties are not uncommon. Examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents from broken stairs, loose floorboards, or wet surfaces.
- Defective or poorly maintained property such as unstable furniture, faulty locks, or missing smoke detectors.
- Unsafe conditions like mold, exposed wires, or unclean environments.
- Negligent hosts who fail to repair hazards, ignore building codes, or don’t warn guests about known dangers.
These conditions can lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, concussions, burns, and respiratory problems.
What Should I Do If I Get Hurt at an Airbnb?
If you’re injured while staying at an Airbnb, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and strengthen your potential claim:
- Seek medical attention — Always put your health first. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document everything — Take photos of the accident scene, the hazard that caused it, and your injuries.
- Report the accident to the host — Notify the host through the Airbnb app or directly in writing.
- File a report with Airbnb — Use the platform to document the injury for their records.
- Check your insurance coverage — Health, renters, or homeowners insurance may help.
- Contact an Airbnb injury lawyer — An attorney can guide you through the claims process and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Can I Sue Airbnb If I’m Injured?
Yes — but it depends on the circumstances. Liability for an Airbnb injury may fall on:
- The Host — If the host’s negligence caused your accident (such as unsafe stairs or lack of repairs), you may have a premises liability claim.
- Airbnb — While Airbnb itself is not always directly responsible, in some cases they may share liability if the platform misrepresented the property or failed to enforce safety standards.
- A Third Party — If a contractor, cleaning company, or maintenance provider caused the hazard, they may be held accountable.
An experienced lawyer can determine which parties may be liable in your case.
Does Airbnb Insurance Cover Guest Injuries?
Airbnb advertises protections for both hosts and guests, but coverage can be limited:
- Host Liability Insurance — Up to $1 million in coverage if a guest is injured due to the host’s negligence. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Guest Refund Policy — May reimburse your stay if the property was unsafe or misrepresented, but does not pay for medical treatment.
- Damage Protection Program — Covers property damage, not personal injuries.
Because these programs have exclusions and limitations, many injured guests need to file a personal injury claim to recover full compensation.
How Do I File an Airbnb Injury Claim?
Filing a claim through Airbnb is only the first step. Their claims process often favors hosts and may not cover the true cost of your injuries. To maximize your recovery, you may need to:
- File an injury report through the Airbnb app.
- Gather supporting evidence (photos, medical records, witness statements).
- Work with an Airbnb injury attorney who can negotiate with Airbnb, the host, and their insurance company on your behalf.
Why You Should Call an Airbnb Injury Lawyer
Airbnb accident claims are complex. Insurance companies may deny responsibility, hosts may downplay hazards, and Airbnb’s own protections may not fully cover your losses.
At Peck Trial Attorneys, we fight for guests injured at Airbnb properties in Boston and throughout Massachusetts. We help clients recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability or rehabilitation costs
If you’ve been injured at an Airbnb, don’t wait. Contact Peck Trial Attorneys today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Related Reading:
- Navigating Assumption of Risk in Massachusetts Personal Injury Claims
- Understanding Workplace Wrongful Death Liability in Massachusetts
- Understanding Groundwater Contamination: Health Risks and Legal Solutions
- Maximizing Your Claim: The Role of Witnesses in Massachusetts Car Accident Cases
Helpful Resources:
- Airbnb's Official Safety Center
- Massachusetts Personal Injury Laws
- Consumer Rights Protection
- Insurance Information Institute
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners
