So, you’ve booked a beautiful VRBO property in sunny Florida, ready to enjoy a relaxing vacation or a quick getaway. You’re probably expecting some fun in the sun, maybe a dip in the pool, or a walk on one of our gorgeous beaches. But what happens if things don’t go as planned, and you find yourself injured at your VRBO rental? Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do if you’ve been injured at a VRBO property anywhere in Florida.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Health
First things first—if you’re hurt, get medical attention right away. It doesn’t matter if it’s a minor slip or something more serious; seeing a doctor is crucial. Not only will this ensure you’re okay, but it also provides a medical record of your injury, which could be important later. Think of it like laying the foundation for a strong case if you need to pursue any legal action.
Step 2: Document Everything
Once you’ve taken care of your health, it’s time to make sure you document everything. You’ll want to document the scene of the accident thoroughly. Grab your phone and take pictures and videos of the area where you got injured. Was the lighting poor? Was the floor slippery? Was there something broken that caused your fall? Capture it all. If there are any witnesses, ask them for their contact information and see if they’re willing to provide a statement. This kind of evidence will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.
Step 3: Report the Incident to the VRBO Host (Don’t Skip This Step)
Next up, you’ll need to inform the VRBO host about what happened. Whether it’s through the VRBO platform, an email, or a quick phone call, make sure you let them know about your injury and how it occurred. Keep a record of this communication—screenshots, emails, text messages—whatever it is, save it. This documentation will help show that you were proactive and informed the host right away.
Step 4: Understand Who You Can Hold Responsible (It’s Not Always Who You Think)
Here’s where things get a little tricky. If you’re injured at a VRBO property, your first instinct might be to blame VRBO directly. However, in most cases, it’s the property owner or manager who is responsible for maintaining the property. If they didn’t take care of something that caused your injury—like fixing a broken staircase or cleaning up a spill—they could be on the hook for your damages.
But what about VRBO itself? While it’s tougher to hold VRBO directly responsible due to their terms of service (which usually include an arbitration clause), they do offer up to $1 million in liability insurance for property owners. This insurance is supposed to cover injuries that happen on the property, but getting a payout isn’t always straightforward. You might need to go through arbitration rather than a traditional lawsuit, and that’s where things can get complicated.
Step 5: Can You Sue?
If the property owner or manager was negligent—meaning they didn’t fix a known hazard, failed to maintain the property, or didn’t warn you about a dangerous condition—you can file a premises liability lawsuit against them. This type of lawsuit is pretty common in cases where a property wasn’t up to standards, and someone got hurt as a result.
If your injury was caused by something like a defective product or appliance at the rental (think: a malfunctioning coffee maker or a collapsing chair), you might also have grounds for a product liability lawsuit. This one would be against the manufacturer or retailer, rather than the property owner.
And remember that $1 million insurance coverage VRBO offers? You can file a claim against that, too. However, dealing with insurance companies can be a headache, so it’s often best to get some legal help.
Step 6: Making a VRBO Injury Claim
If you’re going to file a claim for your injury, here’s the process in a nutshell:
- Report the Incident: Notify VRBO about your injury as soon as possible. You can do this through their platform or by contacting their customer support at 1-877-228-3145.
- File a Claim with VRBO’s Insurance: VRBO’s insurance claims are handled by Generali Global Assistance. You can contact them by email at VRBOClaims@Generali-Liability.com or by phone at 858-810-2000. Be prepared to provide all the necessary details, including your reservation number, the dates of your stay, and a detailed description of the incident.
- Submit Your Evidence: This is where all that documentation you gathered earlier comes in handy. You’ll need to submit photos, videos, witness statements, medical records, and any communication you had with the host.
- Prepare a Demand Letter: If you’re seeking compensation, a demand letter will outline what happened, the injuries you sustained, and the amount you’re asking for. It’s a good idea to get a lawyer to help with this, as they’ll know how to frame it to get the best result.
- Negotiate or Go to Arbitration: The insurance company might offer you a settlement but be cautious. These offers are often lower than what you might deserve. If you’re not satisfied with the offer, you might have to go through arbitration, which is a bit like a court case, but less formal.
Step 7: Should You Get Legal Help?
While it’s possible to handle a VRBO injury claim on your own, it can be a complex and frustrating process. A personal injury lawyer who knows the ins and outs of VRBO claims can be a huge asset. They can help gather evidence, navigate the legal maze, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Plus, many lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case—so there’s really nothing to lose.
VRBO Accident Law Firm
Getting injured at a VRBO property in Florida is probably the last thing you expected on your trip. But if it happens, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference. Remember to prioritize your health, document everything, and don’t be afraid to seek legal help if you need it. The process can be daunting, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it successfully and get the compensation you need to move forward.
If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wolfson & Leon at (305) 285-1115 for a free consultation. Our VRBO accident lawyers are standing by and ready to help anywhere in Florida including but not limited to Key West, Marco Island, Clearwater Beach. Miami Beach, Hollywood Beach, Naples, Key Largo, and Santa Rosa Beach. Call now and find out what your rights are and how to get the compensation that you deserve.