VRBO Accident Lawyer in Miami

At Wolfson & Leon, we recognize that a vacation should be a time of relaxation, pleasure, and creating ongoing memories. However, when an unforeseen accident occurs during your stay at a VRBO rental in the Miami metropolitan area, those memories can quickly turn into a nightmare. Our team of bilingual Miami personal injury lawyers is here to help you traverse the complexities of filing a claim, ensuring you receive the payment you deserve for your injuries.

VRBO, originally known as Vacation Rentals By Owner, was founded in 1995 by David Clouse in Aurora, Colorado. The platform began as a simple service allowing homeowners to list their properties as vacation rentals, directly connecting them with travelers. Over time, VRBO grew from a niche service into one of the leading vacation rental platforms globally.

In 2006, VRBO was acquired by HomeAway, which expanded its reach and resources. This growth continued until 2015, when Expedia Group purchased HomeAway (and VRBO) for $3.9 billion, further integrating VRBO into its broader network of travel services. In 2019, Expedia rebranded its vacation rental services under the single VRBO brand, streamlining user experience and reinforcing its market position.

Today, VRBO is a top competitor in the vacation rental market, offering a wide range of properties in over 190 countries. The platform caters to families, groups, and individual travelers, emphasizing full-home rentals. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, VRBO has remained a preferred choice for travelers seeking privacy and space during their stays.

When you stay at a VRBO rental, you are considered an "invitee" under Florida premises liability law. This means that the property owner owes you a heightened standard of care, ensuring the rental property is safe and free from dangerous conditions. Unfortunately, not all property owners meet this obligation, leading to accidents and injuries.

Common unsafe conditions that can result in accidents at VRBO properties include:

• Defective Staircases: Unstable, broken or poorly maintained stairs pose a significant tripping hazard, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Ineffective Lighting: Poor lighting in stairwells, exit/entrances, or parking lots increases the risk of falls or criminal assaults.
• Inadequately Maintained Pools: Pools that are not adequately maintained or lack safety measures can lead to drowning or other serious injuries.
• Bedbug Attacks/ Infestations: Bedbug bites can lead to painful reactions and infections, ruining your stay and causing ongoing health issues.
• Untreated Mold: Mold growth can lead to respiratory problems, especially for individuals with allergies or asthma.
• Lack of Security: Insufficient security measures and staffing, such as broken locks or unlit entryways, can result in assaults or theft.

If you have suffered an injury due to these or other alarming conditions at a VRBO rental in Miami, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Injuries sustained at VRBO rentals can range from miniscule to life-threatening, depending on the facts of the accident or incident. Some common types of injuries include:

• Fractures: Broken bones and ligament tears caused by slips, trips, and falls, particularly on debris, hazardous flooring or defective/broken staircases.
• Head Wounds: Falls or impacts due to risky conditions can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or other head trauma.
• Drowning or Near-Drowning Episodes: Occurring in improperly maintained, guarded or unsecured pools.
• Respiratory Concerns: Resulting from exposure to mold and/or other allergens in inadequately maintained properties.
• Burns, Blisters and Scalds: Caused by faulty electrical systems or unsafe cooking equipment.
• Infections and Infestations: Such as bedbug bites leading to severe allergic reactions or infections.

These injuries can have enduring effects, impacting your ability to work, love life, and perform everyday activities. At Wolfson & Leon, we appreciate the tangible, emotional, and financial ding that these injuries can take, and we are here to help you recover the damages you need to move forward.

Filing a claim for injuries experienced at a VRBO rental involves several essential steps. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Get Medical Attention: Your health should always be the top priority. Get medical care immediately and make certain all injuries are recorded by healthcare professionals.
2. Notify the VRBO Host: Inform the property owner about the accident/incident and each of your injuries as soon as possible. This communication is key for the claims process.
3. Collect Your Evidence: Take photos and videos of the entire scene, the hazards, and your injuries including bruising. Seek and retain contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident or anything that may be relevant to your case.
4. Make a Claim with VRBO’s Insurance: VRBO generally provides $1 million in liability insurance for property owners. However, collecting compensation through this insurance can be tough. You will need to file your notice and a claim with the VRBO insurance carrier, Generali Global Assistance.
5. Call the Best VRBO Personal Injury Lawyer You Can Find: Before speaking with insurance claim representatives or adjusters and considering any type of settlement offers, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Wolfson & Leon, our Miami VRBO accident lawyers can guide you through the complicated process, manage communications with the insurance company, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Presenting and pursuing a VRBO injury claim can be complex, and there are several common missteps that could jeopardize your potential to receive full and fair compensation:

• Considering a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies can offer a quick (and cheap) settlement that is far less than what you deserve. Do not accept or even entertain any offers without consulting a lawyer.
• Delaying Medical Treatment: Failing to seek immediate medical attention or follow-up care can severely weaken your claim and make it harder to prove the extent of your injuries.
• Not Documenting the Incident: Lack of photographic evidence, witness statements, or medical records can undermine your case. Always document everything related to the accident.
• Giving a Recorded Statement: Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement. It's best to consult with your attorney before providing any statements, as they could be used against you.
• Missing Filing Deadlines: Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Missing these deadlines can result in the loss of your right to compensation.

By avoiding these mistakes and working with an experienced Miami personal injury attorney, you can increase your chances of a productive claim and ensure you are sufficiently compensated for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured while staying at a VRBO rental in the Miami area, you need a dedicated law firm on your side. At Wolfson & Leon, our VRBO personal injury lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (305) 285-1115 for a free consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery.

Wolfson & Leon helps people throughout Florida. They have offices in Miami, Fort Myers, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Coral. The bilingual staff and attorneys are standing by to help you. Just call (305) 285-1115.

Wolfson & Leon is available to represent clients in Miami but also in the communities of Miami Beach, Marathon, Florida Keys, Kendall, Homestead, Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Key Largo, North Miami, South Miami, Cutler Bay, South Beach, Pinecrest, Key West, Sunny Isles Beach, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Lakes, and Miami Shores.