Serious Injury at a Vacation Rental in Austin, Texas? How to File a Lawsuit & Seek Compensation

Austin is a popular Texas city to visit, whether you want to swim at the Barton Springs Pool or learn more about the state at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Vacation rentals are a popular choice, but can also pose risks for visitors staying in unfamiliar surroundings. A simple hazard like a broken balcony or unsafe hot tub can leave guests with severe injuries.

The Austin personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw help accident victims seek compensation for their injuries. Often, we can negotiate a fair settlement by filing a personal injury claim with the property’s insurer. We may also file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue damages on behalf of our clients..

If you are injured on vacation in Austin, our compassionate attorneys can help. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis and provide free case reviews in English and Spanish, so accident victims can afford the legal representation they need. We are available toll-free, 24/7 at 1-800-862-1260.

Before you can file a claim, you must identify the responsible party. The at-fault party could include:

• The property owner
• Maintenance companies
• The host or manager
• The landlord
• The platform, such as Airbnb or Vrbo

You may even be partially to blame for your accident. Fortunately, Texas’s proportionate responsibility laws allow you to seek compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as your portion of the responsibility totals 50% or less.

Your attorney will determine liability based on an investigation that identifies the cause of your injuries and the parties responsible. The investigation might include accident-scene photos, inspection or maintenance records, prior complaints, and eyewitness testimony. The sooner you seek legal assistance, the quicker the personal injury claims process can begin.

Airbnb now offers up to $1 million in liability protection, called Host Protection Insurance. The policy may cover guests' injuries that occur on the property during their stay. You can also file a claim directly with the host, property owner, or other responsible party.

When you file your claim, you will be facing a team of lawyers employed by Airbnb or Vrbo to minimize their liability. If you don’t have legal representation on your side, you will be at a distinct disadvantage. Get legal help to protect your rights and ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.

You can also file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas’s premises liability laws. As a guest of the vacation rental, you are considered an invitee to the property who is entitled to the highest duty of care, including:

• A safe premises free from hidden hazards
• Regular inspections of the premises
• Prompt repairs if issues are discovered
• Adequate warning of any issue

If the host, property owner, or another party fails in these duties of care, they can be liable for your damages. Your attorney must demonstrate that the at-fault party was negligent and that their negligence led directly to your accident and injuries for you to hold them liable.

If you are injured in a vacation rental, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Your second step should be to contact a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and maximize your potential compensation. Your legal team will:

• Investigate the accident to determine the cause
• Establish whether the at-fault party’s negligence led to the accident
• Guide you through the complex legal process
• Calculate reasonable damages for current and future losses
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf

If you don’t reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, your legal team will take your case to court to pursue all the damages you are entitled to under Texas law.

If your relaxing vacation turns into a painful experience due to an accident outside your control, get legal help right away; contact a skilled personal injury attorney at Carabin Shaw. See what past clients have to say about working with our law firm and how we’ve helped accident victims pursue the compensation they deserve. Then call our office at 1-800-862-1260 to discuss your case for free.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 33
• Texas Statutes 75
• Texas Statutes 41