Airbnb Injury Lawyer South Carolina

South Carolina Airbnb Injury Lawyer

Injured at an Airbnb in South Carolina? Attorney Jonathan Arndt helps guests and residents navigate complex short-term rental injury claims. Schedule your free case review today!

Vacation rentals have changed how people travel and stay in South Carolina. Platforms such as Airbnb make it simple to book a historic home in downtown Charleston, a beach cottage on Sullivan’s Island, or a family-friendly house in Mount Pleasant near Shem Creek. These rentals bring comfort and convenience, but a pleasant trip can turn into a serious injury when a property is unsafe.

An Airbnb injury claim is different from a traditional premises liability case.

An individual host, a property company, or both may manage a short-term rental, and the platform provides certain protections while limiting others.
An injured guest may need to deal with multiple insurance policies and legal duties that do not appear in standard hotel stays.

Accidents at vacation rentals can involve hazards such as broken steps, loose deck railings, faulty smoke detectors, unsafe pools, or poorly maintained electrical systems. Guests often assume that a rental listed on a well-known platform is safe and inspected, but the truth is that safety standards vary widely.

Owners sometimes fail to repair aging homes, especially in popular areas near the Ravenel Bridge or the cobblestoned streets of the French Quarter in Charleston.

Injuries inside rental properties are part of a growing public health concern. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Injury & Violence Prevention section, there are thousands of injury‑related emergency department visits, tens of thousands of injury hospitalizations, and several thousand injury deaths each year in the state. The statewide injury monitoring also tracks falls, home injuries, and other unintentional injury mechanisms.

When a vacation property owner fails to maintain a safe environment and someone is injured, the law provides a way to seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and the impact on daily life.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we help Mount Pleasant residents and visitors facing these challenges. Our founder, Attorney Jonathan Arndt, has experience handling serious personal injury cases and understands the complications that arise when multiple parties, insurance gaps, and rapidly changing property conditions are involved.

An experienced South Carolina Airbnb injury lawyer familiar with county courts, local ordinances, and short-term rental law can make a significant difference for injury victims.

Common Hazards in South Carolina Vacation Rentals

Short-term rentals offer charm and privacy, but they can hide dangers that cause life-changing injuries.

Older Homes

Many older homes in historic Charleston were built long before modern safety codes. Stairs may be steep and uneven, railings can loosen over time, and porches may have rotting boards. Guests unfamiliar with the layout of these homes face extra risk when the lighting is poor.

Coastal Rentals

Coastal rentals on Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms often feature decks, balconies, and outdoor stairs exposed to salt air and humidity. These conditions weaken wood and metal over time, increasing the likelihood of collapses and trips.

Pool areas in beach houses and townhomes may lack proper barriers or slip-resistant surfaces. Hot tubs and outdoor showers, common in vacation properties, can create slippery paths when water drains poorly.

Rentals in Mount Pleasant Neighborhoods

Mount Pleasant neighborhoods near Shem Creek and the Old Village attract visitors looking for water views and walkable restaurants. Many rentals in these areas have docks or piers where guests fish or launch kayaks. Wet surfaces, loose boards, or missing safety rails can lead to falls into shallow water or onto hard ground.

Hazards in Suburban Charleston County

In suburban Charleston County, larger homes used for group stays may have outdated wiring, unmonitored smoke alarms, or poorly maintained fireplaces, increasing the risk of fire or carbon monoxide exposure.

Risks in New Rentals

Even brand-new rentals can present hazards if owners rush to list them without final inspections. Loose tile in a bathroom, unsecured rugs on hardwood floors, or missing handrails on basement stairs can cause serious falls.

Owner Responsibility and Legal Expectations

Some hosts fail to warn guests about hazards they know exist, leaving visitors unaware of broken locks, uneven flooring, or other risks. South Carolina law expects property owners who open their homes to paying guests to keep those spaces reasonably safe. Ignoring basic maintenance or hiding known problems can lead to legal responsibility when someone gets hurt.

Because individuals rather than large companies may own Airbnb listings, the quality of upkeep varies significantly from one property to another. Injured visitors often discover too late that the rental had safety issues that no one disclosed.

South Carolina Premises Liability Law for Airbnb Properties

Airbnb injury claims fall under South Carolina's premises liability law. This area of law holds property owners responsible when they fail to keep their property reasonably safe for guests.

An owner who knows about or should know about a danger must fix the problem or warn guests clearly. If that does not happen and someone is injured, the owner may be liable for the resulting harm.

Injured parties may recover damages even if partially at fault, provided their fault is less than 51 percent.
There is a 3-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the accident.
Common legal defenses include claims of open and obvious hazards, guest negligence, or limitations under Airbnb’s terms of service.

One of the most essential rules in South Carolina is the modified comparative negligence rule. This rule means an injured person can still recover compensation if they were partly at fault, as long as their share of fault is less than 51 percent.

For example, a guest who trips on a broken stair while carrying luggage might be assigned a small percentage of blame for not watching their step. However, the property owner would remain primarily responsible if the stairs had been in poor condition for weeks. The guest’s share of fault would simply reduce the total recovery.

Timing is important. In South Carolina, injured people have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If they miss this deadline, called the statute of limitations, they usually lose the chance to pursue their case, no matter how strong the evidence.

Rental owners and insurance companies know about this rule, and sometimes communication is delayed in the hope that a guest will miss the deadline. Acting early can protect legal rights.

Court processes and filing requirements can confuse visitors who do not live in South Carolina. The South Carolina Judicial Department provides public access to basic court information and timelines, but understanding how those rules apply to short-term rental claims is complex.

Property owners may argue that they warned guests of an open and obvious hazard, or that the guest acted carelessly. Hosts and insurers sometimes cite Airbnb’s terms of service to limit their liability. These defenses make it essential to collect substantial evidence and understand the local legal landscape.

Our founder attorney, Jonathan Arndt, brings years of experience handling complex injury claims and familiarity with Charleston County courts to these cases. His familiarity with local judges, procedures, and property standards can help injured guests and residents build a clear and persuasive claim under South Carolina law.

Insurance and Airbnb Host Protection

When someone gets hurt at a vacation rental, one of the first questions people ask is who pays for the injuries.

Airbnb’s Host Liability Insurance may cover guest injuries, but it has important limits and exclusions.
Homeowner’s insurance often does not cover short-term rentals unless the insurer is notified in advance.
Insurance disputes between Airbnb and hosts can delay or reduce compensation for injured guests.

Airbnb advertises a program called Host Liability Insurance that may provide coverage for guest injuries up to a specified limit. However, this insurance is not automatic and can be limited in scope. It often excludes intentional acts by the host, injuries caused by certain property features, or incidents outside the host’s responsibilities. Guests sometimes learn after an accident that Airbnb’s policy will not fully cover their losses.

Many South Carolina hosts rely on homeowner’s or landlord’s insurance as a backup. These policies may or may not cover short-term rentals. Some policies exclude business activities or impose specific conditions that void coverage when the property owner rents to paying guests. A host who has not told their insurer about listing a property on Airbnb may find that their policy denies coverage entirely.

When more than one insurance company is involved, each may try to shift blame to the other. Airbnb may say the homeowner’s policy should pay, while the homeowner’s insurer may claim Airbnb’s program applies.

This back-and-forth can leave an injured guest struggling to pay medical bills while insurers argue.

Understanding how to navigate these policies, send proper notice, and respond to coverage denials is key to building a successful claim.

South Carolina property owners are required to carry certain types of insurance for rental properties. Still, the rules vary depending on whether the property is classified as a business or a personal residence. Guests who rent a home or condo often have no way to know what coverage is in place until an accident occurs.

An experienced South Carolina Airbnb injury lawyer can review the host’s insurance, Airbnb’s coverage, and any additional policies that may apply, such as umbrella liability or commercial property insurance. This investigation can uncover hidden coverage that helps pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Proving Negligence After an Airbnb Injury

To win compensation in a South Carolina Airbnb injury case, the guest must show that the property owner failed to use reasonable care to keep the space safe. This process may involve:

Taking photos and videos of the hazard before it’s fixed
Getting statements from witnesses
Finding maintenance records or complaints showing the owner knew about the problem
Checking if the property broke any local building rules
Saving security camera footage quickly
Using experts to confirm the hazard if needed
Keeping medical records and photos from right after the injury

Gathering evidence as soon as possible is best, since property conditions can change quickly after an accident. Photographs are one of the most essential tools. Pictures of a broken step, a wet deck, or a missing handrail can make a substantial impact.

Guests can photograph the entire area from multiple angles, showing lighting conditions and surrounding features. If a railing breaks or a deck collapses, photos and videos taken before repairs begin can be critical.

Witness statements also matter. Other guests, neighbors, or cleaning staff may have seen the hazard or know how long it existed. A written or recorded statement can confirm that the danger was present before the accident.

Security cameras in common areas may show the hazard or the incident itself. The injured person or their legal representative must request this footage promptly before the system erases it.

Maintenance records can prove a pattern of neglect. In Charleston and Mount Pleasant, local companies manage many rental properties and handle scheduling for cleaning and repairs. Logs of safety inspections, work orders, and prior guest complaints can help show that the owner knew about the problem. Public property records can confirm the rental’s owner, which helps when an agency, rather than a homeowner, manages the listing.

In addition to physical hazards, code violations can support a claim. Charleston County and local towns have building codes for stairs, balconies, and decks. If a property fails to meet these standards, it strengthens the case that the owner was negligent. Experts, such as building inspectors or engineers, may review the site and provide professional opinions on unsafe conditions.

Insurance companies often try to argue that the guest caused the accident. They may say the hazard was obvious, the guest ignored warning signs, or the guest was distracted. Evidence such as photos taken immediately after the incident and prompt medical records can counter these arguments.

A well-documented claim shows that the owner failed to maintain the property, which is the heart of a premises liability case.

Types of Injuries Seen in Airbnb Incidents

Vacation rental injuries range from mild to life-changing, depending on the hazard and the victim’s health.

Common Fall Injuries

Falls are the most common. Broken stairs, uneven decks, and slippery bathrooms often cause broken bones. Hip fractures, wrist fractures, and ankle injuries can require surgery and months of therapy. Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries, can lead to memory loss, headaches, and long-term cognitive challenges.

Spinal and Neck Injuries

Spinal injuries are another primary concern. A fall from a balcony or loft can damage the spine, causing chronic pain or even partial paralysis. Neck and back injuries from sudden impact may require extensive medical care and reduce a person’s ability to work or enjoy daily activities.

Drowning and Water-Related Injuries

Pools and hot tubs pose drowning and near-drowning risks, especially when fencing is missing or gates don’t latch properly. These hazards are particularly dangerous for children and non-swimmers.

Burns and Electrical Injuries

Electrical hazards in older homes can cause shocks or fires. Faulty grills, stoves, or outdoor heaters may cause burns, leaving permanent scars. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also risky when properties lack proper ventilation or working detectors, especially in colder months.

Children and older adults are especially vulnerable. Young guests may not recognize unsafe features, and older visitors can suffer severe complications from fractures or head injuries.

Many Charleston-area hospitals, including Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital and the Medical University of South Carolina, treat residents and visitors for vacation rental-related injuries each year. National injury research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that falls and home-related accidents are leading causes of emergency room visits across the United States, highlighting the seriousness of these incidents.

Long-term consequences often go beyond medical bills. Guests may face reduced mobility, emotional trauma, or the need for home modifications. They may be unable to return to work or care for family members during recovery. Understanding the full impact of an injury is essential for calculating fair compensation in a legal claim.

What To Do After an Airbnb Injury in South Carolina

The steps taken immediately after an accident at a vacation rental can significantly impact health and legal rights. Injuries that happen far from home often leave guests unsure about what to do next. A clear plan can make the recovery process less stressful and help protect a future compensation claim.

Seek medical care immediately to document injuries and start treatment.
Report the incident to the property host and Airbnb as soon as possible.
Take photos and videos of the hazard and the surrounding area before it’s fixed or cleaned.
Preserve physical evidence, including clothing, shoes, and damaged personal items.
Keep a journal of symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects daily life.

The priority is always medical care. Even injuries that seem minor at first may worsen or reveal hidden complications, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or ligament tears. Prompt treatment creates a clear medical record that links the harm to the accident.

Emergency rooms and urgent care centers across Charleston County, including those in Mount Pleasant and downtown Charleston, can evaluate injuries and document them for later use in insurance claims or lawsuits. Following all medical advice and attending follow-up appointments is essential because insurers can use gaps in treatment to argue that an injury is not serious.

The guest may immediately report the accident to the property host and the Airbnb platform. This creates an official record that the incident occurred at a specific location and time. A guest can request a copy of any written report, email confirmation, or message thread about the injury. These records can be critical later if the property owner or insurance company tries to deny that the accident happened or disputes the date.

Another key step is collecting visual evidence. The guest can photograph or record the hazard before anyone repairs or cleans it. Images of a broken railing, water on the floor, loose steps, missing safety gates, or other unsafe conditions can help prove that the property was improperly maintained.

It is helpful to capture close-up details and wide shots showing the surrounding area and lighting conditions. Documenting their absence is especially important if warning signs or barriers are missing.

Preserving physical evidence can also help. While keeping the clothing and shoes worn during the accident may seem unnecessary, they can reveal water, sand, oil, or other substances that contributed to the fall. If the shoes were in good condition, this evidence can counter any argument that the guest’s footwear caused the accident. Guests should also save broken personal items, such as glasses or a phone, because they can help illustrate the force of the fall.

Organizing paperwork early makes the claims process easier. It’s vital to store medical bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, prescriptions, and records of therapy or rehabilitation.

Guests who miss work should track the days lost and keep copies of employer notes or pay stubs showing income before and after the injury. A simple journal noting pain levels, mobility limits, and the emotional impact of the accident can support claims for pain and suffering.

It is important to stay cautious on social media. Insurance companies and defense lawyers often review public posts to find statements or photos that minimize the injury. Even casual updates or vacation photos taken after the accident can be taken out of context and used to argue that the injury was not serious.

Finally, it is wise to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Property owners, their insurance companies, or even representatives from Airbnb may reach out quickly with questions or early settlement offers. While this might seem helpful, these conversations can hurt a claim if handled without care.

A skilled South Carolina Airbnb injury lawyer can handle all communication, request crucial evidence before it disappears, and ensure that the three-year statute of limitations is met. Acting early also helps preserve security camera footage, witness information, and maintenance records that might otherwise be lost or destroyed.

Speak With a South Carolina Airbnb Injury Lawyer Today

An injury during what should have been a relaxing stay in South Carolina can result in unexpected medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about who will pay for the damage. The Arndt Law Firm recognizes these challenges and is prepared to help guests and residents injured in short-term rentals, such as Airbnb properties.

From its Mount Pleasant office, the firm may investigate property conditions, review insurance coverage, and pursue full and fair compensation for medical care, lost income, and the long-term impact of an accident.

Time is limited to take action, and key evidence may disappear quickly as property owners make repairs or insurance companies build defenses. Reaching out early can protect your rights and provide the support you need to move forward.

If you were injured at an Airbnb or other vacation rental in South Carolina, schedule a free case review today. Call (843) 469-8777 to discuss your situation and learn how an experienced South Carolina Airbnb injury lawyer can help you seek the recovery you deserve.