Injured at an Airbnb in Atlanta, Georgia? Know Your Rights
Accidents can happen anywhere—even during a relaxing getaway or business trip. But what happens when you’re injured at an Airbnb in Atlanta, Georgia, or any other short-term rental?
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Injury Prevention Program, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the state. With the growing popularity of vacation rentals, more people are getting hurt at properties that aren’t hotels—but are still required to be reasonably safe.
So, if you slip on a wet floor or fall down broken stairs at an Airbnb, who’s responsible? Let’s break it down.
Can You Sue an Airbnb Host in Georgia?
Yes—if your injury was caused by the host’s negligence. Georgia’s premises liability laws (O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1) require property owners and occupiers to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors, including Airbnb guests.
Airbnb hosts have a legal duty to:
- Fix known hazards (like broken stairs or loose handrails)
- Warn guests about potential dangers (such as slippery decks or steep driveways)
- Perform routine inspections to keep the property reasonably safe
If they fail to do so and you’re injured at an Airbnb in Atlanta, Georgia, they can be held liable.
Does Airbnb Cover Injuries?
Airbnb provides up to $1 million in host liability insurance through its AirCover program. But that doesn’t guarantee an easy claims process or that Airbnb will pay everything you’re owed.
Even if Airbnb denies a claim or offers a low settlement, you may still be able to pursue compensation through the host’s homeowners or renters insurance—or through a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Short-Term Rental Injuries
People can get hurt in many ways at Airbnb properties, including:
- Slip and fall accidents (wet floors, icy steps, loose rugs)
- Trip and fall injuries (uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways)
- Balcony or stair collapses
- Carbon monoxide or gas leaks
- Fires due to faulty wiring or missing smoke detectors
- Dog bites or animal attacks
These injuries can be serious, resulting in concussions, broken bones, burns, or even long-term disability.
What to Do If You’re Injured at an Airbnb in Atlanta
Taking the right steps after an injury can protect your rights:
- Seek medical attention immediately—even for minor symptoms
- Document the scene: take photos, videos, and get witness contact info
- Report the incident through the Airbnb platform
- Avoid signing anything or giving recorded statements
- Speak with a personal injury attorney before dealing with insurance companies
Who’s Legally Responsible—The Host or Airbnb?
It depends on the situation:
- Host liability: If the host failed to maintain the property, they may be personally responsible.
- Airbnb liability: If Airbnb was notified of a safety issue and allowed bookings to continue, they could share responsibility.
Multiple parties could be held accountable depending on the facts.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Claim?
Yes. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’re injured at an Airbnb in Atlanta, Georgia due to negligence, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Future medical care or rehab
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine what your case is worth.
Call McManes Law for a Free Case Review
At McManes Law, we represent people who’ve been injured at Airbnb and short-term rental properties throughout Atlanta and Alpharetta. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, don’t deal with it alone.
Call 770-645-8801 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today. Let’s talk about your options and help you get the compensation you deserve.
