What is Airbnb?
Airbnb operates an online marketplace for lodging alternatives to hotels, which encourages strangers to connect online, exchange money, and then meet in real life. It is often used for short-term stays by tourists to rent people’s homes, condos, or even rooms in people’s homes. Airbnb touts itself as “community built on sharing” where “safety” is its “number one concern.” However, a number of sexual assaults and safety flaws occuring at Airbnb properties have recently come to light, raising skepticism about Airbnb’s safety policies and procedures.
Airbnb Sexual and Physical Assault Cases
As Airbnb has grown, the number of dangerous incidents have as well. Airbnb is now being scrutinized for the way it handles sexual assault allegations. In a recent sexual assault case in New York City, Airbnb paid a tourist $7 million after she was allegedly raped in a Manhattan rental, shedding light on the company's efforts to hide similar incidents. The incident occurred in part because the attacker had a set of duplicate keys to the host’s property. According to Bloomberg, Airbnb pays victims in its “community” an estimated $50 million in legal settlements every year. The $7 million settlement was reached two years after the alleged assault, and prevents the victim from suing Airbnb or the host of the property where the incident occurred.
According to the Bloomberg report, there have been numerous other terrifying incidents, such as where an Airbnb host in Barcelona raped two American women after supplying them with alcohol. When police searched the host’s apartment, they found hundreds of photos of other victims. The host was sentenced to twelve years in prison and Airbnb paid the victims an undisclosed amount to settle their claims.
Additionally, Airbnb has vowed to take action against unauthorized parties in the wake of a deadly shooting during a Halloween party held at one of the rental homes in California, detailed in a Yahoo Finance report. The shooting left five dead and sent over 100 partygoers running for their lives in the San Francisco suburb of Orinda. In a series of Tweets, CEO Brian Chesky announced expanding manual screening of "high risk" reservations adding that the company is forming a "rapid response team" when complaints of unauthorized parties come in."We must do better, and we will. This is unacceptable," he tweeted.
Who is Liable in AirBNB Assault Cases?
If you were the victim of a physical or sexual assault while staying at an Airbnb, you are likely wondering who will be held accountable for your injuries and trauma. As with almost all cases, the answer is that it depends on the facts and circumstances of the incident. Airbnb may be liable, along with the host. According to Airbnb's terms, they carry Host Protection Insurance, which covers a host up to $1 million for injuries incurred by guests during stays.
What to do if You've Been Attacked?
If you or someone you love is the victim of a sexual assault or physical attack in an Airbnb property, you are likely eligible for compensation. However, after the assault, it is important to know what your next steps are to ensure the compensation you deserve. Below is important information regarding what to do next if you are assaulted while staying at an Airbnb:
- Seek medical assistance if necessary
- Take photos of where the attack occurred
- Collect photographic evidence of your injuries
- File a police report
- File a claim with Airbnb
- Gather witness information where possible
Contact the Experienced Lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo
Contact the Experienced Lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of physical or sexual assault while staying at an Airbnb, we urge you to contact our experienced team about your potential case. You deserve compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact us by submitting your information below for a free case evaluation.
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