A vacation or weekend getaway should be relaxing—but what happens if you’re injured while staying at a hotel or Airbnb in California? From broken stairs to slippery floors or faulty locks, accidents at short-term rentals and hotels are more common than most people realize.
Under California law, property owners and hosts have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they fail to fix or warn about dangerous conditions, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur. This applies to traditional hotels and private hosts who rent their homes through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Common accidents in these settings include:
- Slips and falls due to wet floors or poor lighting
- Injuries from broken furniture, stairs, or railings
- Burns, cuts, or electrical shocks from faulty appliances
- Assaults or theft due to poor security
If you’re hurt, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injury seems minor. Then, take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and any surrounding evidence (like a cleaning cart left in a hallway). You should also report the incident to the hotel manager or Airbnb host in writing.
Responsibility may depend on who controls the property and how the accident occurred. Airbnb, for example, offers host liability insurance up to $1 million under its AirCover policy, but claims can be delayed or denied without legal support.
At the Law Offices of David Davidi, we help victims of negligence in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals take legal action. If the property owner failed to protect your safety, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To learn more about California premises liability laws, visit the California Courts Civil Case Info. If you or someone you love was injured at a hotel or Airbnb, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you protect your rights.
