When you go on vacation, all you’re thinking about is relaxing and having a good time. If you trip and fall and get injured at your rental property, it could not only ruin your vacation but also make life much harder for you.
Find out what to do if you suffer from a trip and fall injury at a rental property in Oregon, as well as information on how a lawyer can help you during this time.
What to Do if You Get Injured
If you get injured at a rental property in Oregon, collect evidence to show that it was not your fault. This could include photographs, witness statements, or videos. You should tell the property owner as well. If you’re renting through Airbnb, let them know, too.
Next, seek immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital for treatment and get X-rays taken just in case. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan; this could include taking medicine, going to appointments with specialists, getting surgery, buying medical equipment, and more. You need to be vigilant about your treatment at this time. Even if you don’t feel like you got injured or your injuries are minor, you never know how your body is going to react over time. What may not be a big deal today could end up being a huge deal in just a few weeks. Being in touch with your doctor is key.
Proving Negligence in Your Case
You will have to show that the rental property owner had a reasonable duty of care to protect you from getting injured. They did not exercise this duty of care, even though they knew about a potential hazard, and as a result of this, you suffered from injuries.
For instance, let’s say that other guests at the rental property complained to the owner about loose floorboards. You subsequently tripped, fell, and hurt your back because of the loose floorboards. The owner had a duty of care to protect you from getting hurt. They could have done this by fixing the floors, but they didn’t. They would likely be found responsible for your injuries.
In another scenario, let’s say it rained heavily when you got to the rental property. The roof started leaking for the very first time. A puddle was formed, and you slipped and fell and hurt yourself. The owner might not be responsible if they didn’t know about the roof or the heavy rains. It all depends on the exact details of the situation.
Additionally, if you played any part in your injuries, you may not be able to claim a settlement. Perhaps you were on your cell phone and tripped and fell because you weren’t paying attention to where you were going. That would be your fault, not the owner’s.
It’s always worth it to call a personal injury lawyer to see if you’re eligible for a settlement. They will be able to give you the answers and help you with your case.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you if you trip and fall at a rental property in Oregon. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to get them the settlement they deserve in their time of need.
Contact us today to learn more by calling (503) 287-5000 or contacting us on our website for a free case evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.
