Maine Vacation Rental Injury Lawyers

People travel from across the country to vacation in Maine. Many choose to stay in vacation rentals, like properties listed by Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, or Vacasa. Sadly, many of these vacation properties have hidden hazards that can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting guests. 

Preventable hazards at a vacation rental can quickly turn a dream getaway into a nightmare. At Berman & Simmons, we have represented numerous Mainers in all kinds of premises liability cases, including those involving vacation rentals. Leveraging over a century of experience and know-how, we have fought tirelessly for our clients and recovered $1.5+ billion in landmark verdicts and settlements. 

Contact our firm if you or someone you love has suffered an injury because of a hazard at a vacation rental. We offer free consultations that we can conduct at any of our office locations across the state or virtually. We make starting with us simple because we know what an immense difference our support can make for those navigating life in the aftermath of a serious injury.

Call (207) 417-4199 or reach out to Berman & Simmons online to speak with our Maine vacation rental injury lawyers in a free consultation.

What Does Maine Law Say About Vacation Rental Injuries?

Maine property owners, including those who manage vacation rentals, are subject to the state's premises liability laws, which require property owners to resolve hazards that could harm guests. Should owners of vacation properties fail to do these things, they can be held liable for injuries. 

It is important to note that short-term rental hosts using platforms like Airbnb or VRBO are not exempt from these obligations. Whether the rental is for a week or a single night, property owners must prioritize guest safety.

Common Vacation Rental Injury Cases

All kinds of injuries can result from the malicious negligence of a vacation rental property owner. Some of the most common that we have seen at Berman & Simmons involve the following:

• Treacherous staircases - Many vacation properties were renovated by “flippers” who cut costs and didn’t build stairways and railings up to the standards required by safety codes. 
• Non-functioning smoke detectors - When staying in a vacation rental, guests have no way of knowing if the smoke detectors are functioning. 
• Scalding hot water - Poorly maintained plumbing water heaters may be set to scalding temperatures that can cause serious burn injuries to guests while showering or bathing.
• Unsafe exterior lighting - Many guests arrive at vacation properties after dark and must navigate unfamiliar pathways and steps without adequate exterior lighting, creating the risk of serious fall injuries
• Electrocution - If wiring or plugs are left exposed, they can pose the risk of electrocution. Frayed cords and over-burdened electrical outlets also pose risks.
• Bunk beds - Many families with children rent vacation homes, but rental properties may not follow safe practices for securing bunk beds with guardrails and sturdy ladders. 
• Dangerous recreational equipment - Vacation rentals often provide recreational equipment for guest use, but do not ensure that the equipment is safe or well-maintained. 
• Baby cribs and child safety gates - A vacation rental that markets itself as family-friendly might provide baby cribs, “pack and play” play yards, or child safety gates. However, these may be out-of-date, poorly maintained, or even under recall.
• Balcony/Deck collapses – Lots of vacation properties offer outdoor spaces on balconies and decks, but many of these have construction defects or wood rot that make them hazardous.
• Negligent security - A lack of reasonable security measures, such as secure locks or adequate lighting, can lead to injuries caused by criminal acts.

When property owners fail to address unsafe conditions on their vacation rentals, the consequences can be devastating. Not only do injuries have physical impacts, but they can also lead to serious emotional and financial hardships.

Why You Need an Experienced Law Firm for Injuries at Vacation Rentals

For serious injuries at vacation rentals, you need an attorney with the resources and experience to take on complex cases involving multiple defendants. Should you turn to our firm, we will work to identify all sources of insurance coverage that could apply to your serious injury. 

Disputes often arise over whether a safety issue was the responsibility of the property owner or the vacation broker through whom the guest booked the trip. Our attorneys have experience handling these situations to maximize your recovery for all the physical, emotional, and financial losses you’ve suffered.

Insurance Limitations