U.S. Virgin Islands Vacation Rental Injury Attorney

Lawyer for Tourists Injured at Airbnb and VRBO Rentals in St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix

The Virgin Islands, and St. Thomas and St. John in particular, are a popular vacation destination for travelers from the continental U.S. and elsewhere. In recent years, many visitors to the Islands are choosing to stay in vacation rentals offered by Airbnb, VRBO, and other similar services. These rental stays are attractive to visitors for many reasons, but they are not without their risks. Unfortunately, some tourists are injured while staying in vacation rentals, and they may be uncertain of their options for recovering financial compensation.

At Colianni & Colianni, LLC, we understand how frustrating and concerning it can be to suffer a serious injury while on vacation. For more than 50 years, we have practiced law in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and we are thoroughly familiar with the challenges that injured tourists often face. We can help you take action to hold a negligent property owner accountable and get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of St. Thomas Vacation Rental Injuries

There are a number of ways in which a guest may suffer an injury while staying at an Airbnb or VRBO property. Some of the most common include:

• Slip, trip, and fall accidents - Wet, slippery, or cluttered floors and walkways in indoor and outdoor spaces can create an injury hazard.
• Stairway or balcony accidents - Stairways, balconies, and patios with loose or damaged steps, railings, and supports can contribute to severe fall injuries or crush injuries for anyone below.
• Swimming pool and dock accidents - Unsafe conditions around a swimming pool can lead to slip and fall injuries, and in some cases, accidental drowning. If the rental includes a private dock, structural damage or slippery surfaces can also contribute to injuries.
• Inadequate security - Vacation rentals with locks or security systems that do not function correctly can leave guests exposed to the risk of injury from malicious individuals who attempt to enter the property.
• Defective products - Items around the house that are in disrepair or that pose an unreasonable risk of harm can increase the chances of injury to guests.

When Is a Rental Property Owner Liable?

When a traveler chooses to stay in an Airbnb or VRBO property, they place their trust in the host to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. In turn, property owners who use services like Airbnb and VRBO to rent their properties owe a duty of care to the people who choose to stay there. Unfortunately, hosts often spend long periods of time away from the property, and they may not have the same resources for upkeep as hotels and resorts. These factors, along with the frequent turnover of guests, can lead to a situation in which an injury hazard develops and the property owner fails in their duty to address it.

When a guest is injured because the host failed to reasonably address a dangerous situation, the owner may be responsible for the victim's damages based on premises liability law. Injury victims should be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible, and they can work with an attorney to file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In these cases, compensation typically comes from the Host Protection Insurance or Liability Insurance offered by Airbnb and VRBO, respectively, or from a personal insurance policy held by the property owner.

Contact a U.S. Virgin Islands Airbnb Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured on vacation in St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John, we can help you navigate disputes with the property owner and the rental service, and work to ensure that your claim is resolved even if you live far from the Virgin Islands. For a free consultation, contact us today at 340-719-1766.