VRBO Vacation Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

At Wolfson & Leon, we understand that a vacation should be a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Fort Lauderdale. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, even in the most picturesque vacation rentals.

If you were hurt while staying at a VRBO property in the Fort Lauderdale area, our team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys is here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve for your VRBO accident.

What is VRBO?

VRBO, or Vacation Rentals By Owner, was founded in 1995 in Aurora, Colorado, by David Clouse. Initially designed as a platform for homeowners to list their vacation properties for rent directly to travelers, VRBO quickly grew into a popular choice for those seeking alternative accommodations. By 2006, VRBO was acquired by HomeAway, which further expanded its reach and resources.

In 2015, Expedia Group purchased HomeAway and VRBO for $3.9 billion, integrating VRBO into its extensive network of travel services. By 2019, VRBO was rebranded under the Expedia umbrella, offering a unified experience for users seeking vacation rentals. Today, VRBO is a major player in the vacation rental market, with properties available in over 190 countries.

Causes of VRBO Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Staying at a VRBO property should be a safe and enjoyable experience. However, some property owners neglect their duty to maintain a safe environment, leading to accidents. The most common causes of accidents at VRBO properties in Fort Lauderdale include:

• Damaged Staircases: Improperly maintained staircases with or without proper handrails or with loose steps can cause serious falls, especially for guests unfamiliar with the property.
• Insufficient Lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, entrances, and parking areas can lead to trips, falls, and even criminal assaults.
• Hazardous Pool Areas: Pools that are not appropriately maintained or lack fundamental safety features like fencing can lead to drowning or other severe injuries.
• Slippery or Irregular Flooring: Wet floors, defective carpeting, or uneven surfaces can create hazardous conditions that increase the risk of slipping or tripping.
• Absence of Security: Deficient security measures, such as wrecked locks or poor lighting, can leave guests vulnerable to aggravated assaults, theft, attacks, or other crimes.

If you have been injured due to any of these hazardous conditions at a VRBO rental in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to understand your legal rights and options before seeking compensation.

Types of Injuries in a VRBO Accident

Accidents at Fort Lauderdale VRBO properties can result in a wide range of injuries, from trivial to life-threatening. Commonplace injuries that guests may experience include:

• Fractures and Shattered Bones: Regularly caused by slips, trips, or falls on unsafe stairs, flooring, or outdoor areas. Criminal attacks as the result of negligent security can result in orthopedic injuries.
• Head Injuries: Falls or collisions due to hazardous conditions can result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or other dangerous head injuries
• Drowning or Near-Drowning Incidents: Improperly maintained pools can lead to tragic drowning accidents or near-death events requiring pressing medical attention.
• Respiratory Issues: Exposure to harmful allergens or mold in poorly maintained properties can cause or aggravate respiratory problems.
• Burns and Electrical Injuries: Defective wiring, faulty appliances, or perilous cooking equipment can cause injuries, shocks, or even fires.
• Infections: Bedbug infiltrations or introduction to unsanitary conditions can lead to awful allergic reactions or illnesses.

These injuries can have a continuing impact on your health, quality of life, and financial strength. Seeking legal assistance from the Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at Wolfson & Leon can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover.

What to Do After a VRBO Accident in Fort Lauderdale

If you have been injured in a VRBO rental, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the topmost priority. Get medical treatment right away, even if your injuries seem minimal. Be certain all injuries are thoroughly recorded by healthcare professionals.
2. Report the Incident to the VRBO Host: Notify the property owner about the accident and your injuries as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications with the host.
3. Record the Scene: Take specified photos and videos of the accident scene, including the unsafe condition that caused your injury. If there are witnesses, gather their contact data and statements.
4. Evidence: In addition to photographs, keep copies of your medical records, receipts, and any other documentation related to your injury and the accident.
5. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: Prior to talking with insurance adjusters or considering any settlement offers, contact an VRBO injury lawyer. At Wolfson & Leon, we can manage all communications with the insurance company and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Evidence Needed to Make a VRBO Claim

Building a compelling case for a VRBO injury claim requires widespread evidence. The more detailed and precise the evidence you can gather, the better your odds of a successful claim. Key pieces of evidence include:

• Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence of the dangerous condition that caused your injury is critical. Capture the scene from multiple angles and in different lighting conditions if possible.
• Witness Statements: Collect statements from anyone who ever witnessed the accident or was aware of the unsafe condition before the accident occurred. Their verifications can corroborate your account of the incident.
• Medical Records: Detailed medical records recording your injuries and treatment are fundamental for proving the extent of your damages.
• Communication Logs: Keep track of all communications with the VRBO host, manager, and insurance companies. This includes emails, text messages, and phone call logs.
• Expert Testimony: In some cases, experts might be necessary to establish responsibility or to detail the extent of your injuries and their influence on your life.

Having this evidence available strengthens your claim and ensures that you are in a strong position to receive the compensation you deserve.

Your Legal Rights After an Injury at a Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental

If anyone in your family – or yourself - has been injured while staying at a VRBO rental in Fort Lauderdale, you don’t have to learn the legal process alone. At Wolfson & Leon, our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys, are committed to helping you acquire the compensation you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life. Contact us today at (954) 530-3918 for a free consultation and let us defend your rights after a VRBO accident.

Wolfson & Leon humbly serves their clientele throughout Florida. They have offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Hialeah, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. The bilingual staff and attorneys are ready to help you. Just call (954) 530-3918.

Wolfson & Leon also represents injured victims in Fort Lauderdale as well as in the communities of Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, and Hallandale Beach.

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