You expect to spend your vacation relaxing and unwinding from the stress of everyday life, not recovering in a hospital bed after an injury, but that’s the reality for a number of Minnesotans each year. Vacations can end up being dangerous if you take on adventurous activities or overindulge at the swim-up bar, but one area where you expect to be safe is at your vacation rental home. But what if an issue at the rental residence led to your injuries? Below, we explain what you should do if you are injured on a vacation rental property in Minnesota.
Vacation Rental Injuries
Minnesota may not be as popular of a vacation destination as Florida or California, but with some of the best hunting and scenic views in the Midwest, many Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors plan a getaway in the Land of 10,000 Lakes each year. When traveling with a larger group or hoping to find a woodsier retreat, many people turn to vacation rentals in lieu of a hotel. However, renting a home with stairs and a pool can come with more risks than a standard hotel room, so what should you do if you’re injured on a vacation rental?
While every injury is unique, some helpful steps to follow after being injured at a vacation rental include:
1. Get Medical Attention – It’s going to be impossible to win an injury claim without verified proof from a doctor that injuries exist. You will need to have your injuries assessed by a professional, and you shouldn’t delay in seeking care. Waiting to be treated sends up red flags to the insurance company, so don’t wait days or weeks to undergo an evaluation.
2. Document The Scene – Take pictures of the scene of the accident, or have a friend or family member do so if you need to receive urgent medical care. Documenting any evidence that supports your case will be key. If a handrail was broken or the owner of the property failed to address an obvious safety hazard, you need to take pictures of the scene so that it’s easier to prove your claim in court.
3. Inform The Property Owner – Thoroughly report the incident to the property owner or the property manager. Again, timeliness matters, so don’t message them days or weeks after your stay to inform them of your injuries.
4. Connect With A Lawyer – Next, reach out to a lawyer to talk about your options and the next steps. If you want to move forward with a personal injury claim, you’re going to want a professional in your corner. You’ll either be going up against a homeowner’s insurance company or a third party like AirBNB, and you can bet they’ll have a bevy of lawyers on their side to limit their liability and your payout. You’ll have a much better chance of winning a claim and maximizing your payout by working with a lawyer.
5. Review Your Rental Agreement – Just because you signed a waiver that states that the property owner isn’t liable for any injuries that occur during your stay does not mean you are out of luck when it comes to collecting compensation. If the property owner or the management company like AirBNB failed to provide a safe environment for guests, that waiver won’t mean anything. They have a duty to protect their guests, and if they failed to uphold this duty, you can move forward with a claim. Review your rental agreement and make sure that your lawyer has a copy as well.
If you do all of the above and connect with an injury firm like Hey Workers, we’re confident that you will be increasing your likelihood of winning a personal injury claim. For more information about injuries that occur on rental properties, or for a different type of workers’ compensation or personal injury case, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
