Fall In Stairwell Of AIRBNB Due To Poor Lighting Lawyer
The popularity of AIRBNB properties in California has skyrocketed in recent years. These private rental homes are popular in the beach towns up and down the coast, in the mountains, and in almost every other city in the state. With over a quarter of a million AIRBNB properties in the state, there are sure to be many reasons why vacationers love this newer option for a rental space. But as with any more unique choice, some issues are becoming apparent. And one of the more significant issues being seen more often is a fall in the stairwell of an AIRBNB due to poor lighting.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a fall in a poorly lit AIRBNB stairwell, it is essential that you understand your rights. The team at Kenmore Law Group is here to help you understand how poor lighting can add to the safety hazards of a stairwell and how the AIRBNB property owner should have addressed the issue to prevent such accidents and injuries on the property. Please get in touch with the Kenmore Law Group to discuss your injuries, the condition of the AIRBNB stairwell, and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
$465,000
Slip & Fall
$500,000
Premises Liability
$525,000
Head Trauma
$500,000
Back Injury
$599,000
Slip And Fall Accident
$600,000
Shoulder Injury
Safety Issues Related To Poor Lighting In An AIRBNB Stairwell
When you think about going up and down the stairwell at your house or anywhere you feel very comfortable and familiar with, the process appears almost second nature. You never really think about lifting your feet or taking each step up or down. In some cases, you have lived in the house so long that you are sure you could make the trek with your eyes closed. But even in your own home, you stop and turn on the light before mounting the stairs at night. It is simply the prudent thing to do. The more clearly you can see, the fewer chances there are for an accident.
So you get to your AIRBNB rental only to discover on that first night that the lighting in the stairwell is barely enough to see the first step or two, or maybe it does not even work. But you must get upstairs to go to bed or use the bathroom. So you take it slow and steady. Unfortunately, your efforts end in a nasty fall down the steps due to poor lighting. Maybe you stumbled, unable to see the steps clearly, or there was an odd shape to the stair tread, and your foot only caught the edge, sending you tumbling down the steps. Or the issue could have been as simple as a piece of clothing that was dropped on the steps when your bags were carried to your room. If the light had been sufficient to see the steps and the lost sweater, you would not have fallen and suffered from injuries.
Take Any AIRBNB Stairwell Fall Seriously
After your AIRBNB stairwell fall, you might think that the only injury is to your pride. However, getting a complete medical exam is essential to ensure that you have no severe or life-threatening injuries. The adrenaline and shock of falling down a stairwell can mask many injuries that can become severe if untreated. Therefore, seeking medical care is always the wise option. And if these injuries are severe, having them documented right after the fall by a medical professional will be important when you seek compensation from the owner of the AIRBNB.
Common Injuries Due To An AIRBNB Stairway Fall
Shockingly, emergency medical services report that over three million falls occur each year. And over a quarter of a million victims must be hospitalized for their injuries. Some of the most common stairwell fall injuries that occur include:
- Broken arms, legs, collar bones, and ribs
- Damage to the neck, back, and spinal cord
- Head injuries, including a fractured skull, concussion, brain bleed, or traumatic head injury
- Tears, sprains, and strains to muscle and other soft tissue
- Lacerations requiring stitches or staples
- Facial injuries involving the eyes, nose, mouth, and teeth
The sharp angle of the steps and edges of the stair treads can cause hundreds of severe injuries when a person falls down the steps. So no stairwell fall should be considered minor. Always seek medical care to ensure no masked injuries that could become more severe or life-threatening without proper care.
Important Information To Remember
Suffering an injury at an AIRBNB adds an additional level of challenge to securing compensation for your injuries. Part of the issue arises when an injury victim fails to document the property before going home. After getting hurt, you are likely ready to get to the comfort of your own home as quickly as possible. But do not leave before you or someone traveling with you gets pictures of the stairwell where you fell. Be sure to document:
- The stairwell at night with the lights turned on to show how poor the light is
- Take pictures of any imperfections on the stairs that could result in tripping hazards in poor light
- Document any handrails
Also, keep copies of all the documents related to the AIRBNB rental. The rental agreement and welcome letter are essential to show that there was no mention of an issue with the stairwell lighting or warning that the lighting was poor so use added care. In addition, retain copies of all your medical records to show the level of your injuries. Taking pictures of any added bruising or swelling in the following days is also a smart move.
Understanding How The AIR BNB Owner Was Negligent
Premises liability laws dictate the level of care that must be provided for any property. It requires the property owner to remove any hazards and ensure that everything in the house and on the grounds is in working order and safe for guests. These laws apply to any property owner, not just the owner of an AIRBNB or other rental property.
The required level of care must meet that of any prudent person. In this case, the lights must actually illuminate the stairwell for safety. If the property owner does not meet this common level of care, they are in breach of duty or, in simpler terms, negligent. For you and your Kenmore Law Group team to prove the owner was negligent, one of the following three criteria must be met:
- The owner knew about the hazard but did nothing to warn guests or repair the issue
- The owner created the safety issue due to a subpar repair or an incorrect repair
- The owner was unaware of the hazard but should have discovered it when making regular property inspections
Your documentation and images of the stairwell will help your legal experts determine how they will prove at least one of the above criteria.
What Is The Value Of An AIRBNB Stairwell Fall Injury?
Unfortunately, your legal team will only be able to estimate the value of your compensation after gathering some information from you. The value of any lawsuit is based on the actual expenses of the victim and their level of pain and suffering. Therefore, you will need to provide all your medical bills, the total of your lost wages if you are unable to work, and any other expenses related to your injuries. The Kenmore Law Group experts will use those amounts plus the cost of your legal representation to estimate the amount of your settlement.
What Is The Time Factor
Timing plays two critical roles in any lawsuit. First, the time needed to complete the lawsuit will vary based on many factors. Your lawyers will only be able to give you a general idea of the time required to process your case. The other important factor is the Statute of Limitations on your claim. You have only two years from the date of the injury to file your claim with the court. So the sooner you contact Kenmore Law Group, the faster the entire process can begin to ensure you meet the two-year time limit.
How Much Will I Pay For Kenmore Law Group’s Services?
Each case is valued according to the hours of work involved by the Kenmore team. However, we never ask for any upfront payment to handle your lawsuit. We only get paid if we win your case and get the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and losses. And as you will recall, part of the settlement amount from the defendant is the amount of your legal expenses. So in a sense, you never pay anything for your legal representation. Only the defendant is paying the Kenmore Law Group to process your case and get you the money that is owed to you.
Please remember that you owe us nothing if we fail to win your case. So there is no reason not to contact Kenmore Law Group immediately to learn more about your rights and how we will work to get you the money you need to move forward after your injuries from an AIRBNB stairwell fall.