Though you have a wide variety of short-term rental companies to choose from, Airbnb is probably the most recognizable name for vacations homes, rooms, apartments, and other listings all over the world. With California drawing so many visitors every year, particularly the Greater Los Angeles area, many people look on Airbnb for a place to stay. Unfortunately, the increased popularity of short-term rentals comes with consequences, like more incidents of sexual assault and other crimes on the property.
Airbnb received thousands of sexual assault claims every year from guests that book properties on the platform. At the end of the day, Airbnb sexual assault by either the owner or renter (or a trespasser) is a harrowing experience no one should have to go through. Sadly, the company is more interested in denying liability and taking advantage of assault victims with non-disclosure agreements and pitifully low settlements.
At Normandie Law Firm, we provide skilled and aggressive representation against companies like Airbnb when someone is injured due to lack of security and other kinds of negligence. As a sexual assault victim, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit and receive various types of compensation. Reach out to us today for a free consultation on your rights and legal options.
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Sexual Assault Incidents on Airbnb Properties
Because of Airbnb’s non-disclosure agreements, many allegations of sexual assault are never revealed to the public. But we have been approached by far too many clients over the years, who were victimized by sexual predators at an Airbnb house or apartment. And we know for a fact that Airbnb spends millions of dollars to make these cases go away. We have heard some truly horrific stories, like women being plied with alcohol and being raped by the Airbnb host and their friends. Or, someone that had a copy of the keys waits for the victim to get back from a bar or club late at night and takes them by surprise.
If you or a member of your family was sexually assaulted on a property listed on Airbnb, you likely have questions about your rights and what you can do to achieve justice. The sexual abuse attorneys of Normandie are standing by to answer your questions and help you decide on the best way to move forward.
Damages We can Obtain for You
If you decide to pursue a civil claim, an Airbnb sexual assault lawyer can help you gather evidence, show who is liable for your injuries, and fight for the highest possible settlement. The point of a lawsuit is not just about money, but compensation is needed to put you on the path to recovery. Possible damages from a sexual assault lawsuit against Airbnb include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Aside from financial restitution, a lawsuit is about holding companies accountable and letting other victims know that they are not alone. You can make a difference for yourself and others, while ensuring that Airbnb take responsibility when their negligence causes bodily harm and psychological damage.
Sexually Assaulted by an Airbnb Host
Many sexual assaults at Airbnb rentals are committed by the hosts. For a sexual predator, listing a property on Airbnb provides them with an endless supply of victims, which is why it’s essential for the company to screen prospective hosts for criminal convictions. Of course, a rapist may have committed sexual assaults and never been arrested or convicted, so this is not a fool-proof method.
However, Airbnb most certainly receives complaints from guests about inappropriate conduct by hosts, such as:
- Unwanted comments or gestures of a sexual nature
- Indecent exposure
- Sexual solicitation
- Offering alcohol and other substances (which can be used to inebriate someone and make them more likely to be raped)
- Hidden cameras, which may be used for spying on the guest
- Violation of a guest’s privacy
Other Guests Committing Sexual Assault
Some cases of sexual assault are perpetrated by another guest that is staying on the property. It’s very common for a property to have multiple units that are rented out at the same time, or a private-use bedroom where you still have to share common areas like the bathroom, living room, etc. With people sharing spaces and being in close proximity, sexual assaults can happen quite easily. Guests may also have parties on the premises that result in a guest being sexually assaulted.
Sexual Assault by Trespassers
One of the main issues pertaining to security is the exchange of keys between hosts and guests. There is no protocol for this with Airbnb, and that means hots may just leave a key in the mailbox, under the welcome mat, or some other area that can be searched by trespassers. That means someone could make a copy of the key and wait for a guest to occupy the unit. Some trespassers lie in wait behind bushes and other hiding places. Others are more brazen and break into the property, where they wait in the bedroom or another area of the house.
Your Right to Sue Airbnb for Sexual Assault
In most instances, blame for a sexual assault falls on the person that committed the act. So, this is the party that can be sued or brought up on charges for criminal prosecution. But the legal implications are not so simple when you are assaulted at a short-term rental. In these instances, the owner of the premises has a legal duty to ensure a certain level of safety for paying guests and visitors. This is why hotels can be sued if negligent security resulted in a guest being physically or sexually attacked.
Based on the circumstances, you may have grounds to sue Airbnb. Sexual assault victims may need help from a Los Angeles sexual assault lawyer if:
- Airbnb knew or should have known about issues or conditions that put you at risk of being assaulted, yet they chose to do nothing about the problem.
- Airbnb did not conduct a proper background check on the host you rented from.
- Airbnb allowed a property owner to stay on the site even though they violated company policies or local laws.
- The company required you to sign a non-disclosure agreement that forbade you from talking about a sexual assault incident.
Coming forward is often the hardest part for any victim after a sexual assault. We understand that this is a delicate and sensitive matter, and there is no right or wrong in how you move forward from the trauma. However, taking legal action and demanding justice can go a long way to feeling empowered and protecting other guests from the same misfortune.
Contact an Airbnb Sexual Assault Lawyer
Sexual assault claims are highly-charged cases with complex and nuanced elements. Working with an experienced sexual assault attorney is crucial for those who are interested in seeking justice through the civil court system.
At Normandie Law Firm, we provide compassionate and effective representation for sexual assault claims against Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and other online property rental sites. We also accept clients on a contingency basis, meaning that we do not require any payment upfront. Instead, our payment is based on winning your case, so if we don’t recover your settlement, you pay us $0.
For guidance from a lawyer that specializes in sexual assault lawsuits, contact us today and schedule a free, confidential case review.
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