Chicago Airbnb Sexual Assault Lawyer

Since its founding in 2007, Airbnb has become an integral part of the short-term vacation rental market, with over 8 million hostings worldwide [1]. North America has over 2.5 million Airbnb listings, but unfortunately, not every Airbnb property is safe for guests [2].

While AirBnB claims that only 0.1% of its stays result in safety incidents, company insiders claim that thousands of sexual assaults are reported by Airbnb guests every year, many of which are not made public [3].

Those sexually assaulted at an Airbnb or VRBO property deserve justice, and an experienced attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll hold the perpetrator accountable in a civil lawsuit, guiding sexual assault survivors through the legal process to receiving compensation.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

An Airbnb sexual assault lawsuit can seem intimidating, especially as you focus on healing and recovery. Expert legal representation dramatically eases the process, as our experienced sexual abuse attorneys will seek to hold the host and Airbnb liable on your behalf. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we aim to protect sexual assault victims and ensure they receive justice.

• $21 Million – Hotel sexual assault case
• $15 Million – Coach grooming and abuse
• $6.5 Million – Cruise ship rape settlement
• $6.3 Million – Negligent security assault
• $6 Million – Child sexual abuse lawsuit
• $5 Million – Therapist sexual abuse settlement

• Expertise in Airbnb Rental Lawsuits – Our team is highly accomplished in handling Airbnb sexual assaults, having handled hundreds of cases involving physical assault and sexual abuse on rental properties. Using our trial-proven processes, we have recovered millions in damages for our personal injury clients.
• Personalized and Compassionate Representation – We understand the devastating consequences of sexual and physical assaults on a survivor, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. As such, we work to reduce the stress of seeking financial compensation, treating each case with the utmost sensitivity and care.
• Comprehensive Legal Support – An accomplished Airbnb lawyer will guide you through the process, including investigating sexual assault allegations, gathering physical evidence, and negotiating with the company and Airbnb host. Our law firm will explore your area’s relevant law or company policies.
• Client-Centered Approach – When we file a lawsuit against property owners or companies, we balance a client’s need for privacy with keeping them informed about any legal issues. You can always approach us with questions you may have about your Airbnb sexual assault lawsuit, receiving prompt answers and comprehensive advice.
• No Fees Unless We Win – Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works with sexual assault survivors on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. We want to ensure everyone receives world-class legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

What Constitutes Airbnb Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact or behavior that occurs without a victim’s consent. Sexual assault instances can include fondling, groping, penetration, or any other physical attack of a sexual nature [4].

Airbnb assault and misconduct are identified by the company as any illegal touching, unwanted flirtatious behaviors, or unwanted discussions of relationships and sexual preferences [5].

Your Legal Options Following Airbnb Sexual Assault

If an assault occurred in an Airbnb property, you may be able to pursue both criminal and civil charges. To take criminal legal action, you must contact the local authorities, who can open an investigation and determine whether your case meets the prosecutor’s standards in that jurisdiction.

Our team can assist you with any civil claims regarding Airbnb attacks. We will negotiate with Airbnb company insurance policies and, if necessary, sue Airbnb for damages for failing to take appropriate measures to protect guests.

Types of Cases Our Airbnb Sexual Assault Lawyers Handle

As with sexual assaults outside of the hospitality industry, there are many ways sexual abuse can occur. Our team will thoroughly investigate these cases, ensuring that victims receive justice for an assault during an Airbnb stay.

• Assault by Property Owners or Hosts – When hosts of Airbnb rentals assault their guests, it is possible to sue Airbnb, which is held partially liable for the conduct of its hosts. In one example, a woman received a $7 million settlement for a 2016 sexual assault in New York City, which included compensation for counseling [6].
• Assaults by Other Visitors or Guests – When hosts exchange keys with an Airbnb guest, both host and guest have the right to expect safety. Should a guest attack a host, we can provide legal assistance in identifying the perpetrator and assessing who may be liable.
• Assaults Due to Inadequate Security – Hosts are responsible for maintaining safety measures at their property, which include access codes, secure entryways, and working locks [7]. If you were harmed by an intruder while staying at an Airbnb, our lawyers can hold the Airbnb host accountable.
• Assaults Involving Alcohol or Drugs – Airbnb requires that all individuals drinking at a property be consenting and above legal age; hosts cannot sell alcohol without a license [8]. Illicit or illegal drugs are prohibited at Airbnb rentals unless prescribed by a doctor [9]. The host may be liable if an assault occurred involving drugs and alcohol, especially if they supplied the substances.
• Assaults During Airbnb Events or Experiences—Airbnb Experiences are special events booked through the Airbnb platform, such as cooking classes, concerts, or nature excursions. Airbnb provides hosts with liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and sexual assault [10]. The host is responsible for providing a safe environment, and both the host and the company can be held accountable for attacks during an event.
• Assaults by Airbnb Staff or Contractors—Hosts and Airbnb are responsible for ensuring that maintenance, cleaning staff, and contractors present at a property have been adequately vetted. If they fail to provide sufficient oversight to a contractor, they may be a party to a sexual assault claim.
• Assaults Involving Minors – Unwanted touching or sexual assault of a child is a severe offense, both criminally and civilly. An Airbnb sexual assault attorney from our firm can work with parents and guardians of a minor to ensure a perpetrator is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
• Cases With Complex Jurisdictional Issues – In some cases, a host lives in a different jurisdiction from where the sexual assault took place, making it difficult to determine which local laws apply. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can untangle the complexities of these cases to ensure you have the best possible chance at compensation.

Liability for Airbnb Sexual Assault Cases

Liability for an Airbnb sexual assault may be shared among multiple parties. This includes the perpetrator, host, and platform.

• Sexual Assault Perpetrator – As with any other sexual assault lawsuit, the perpetrator will be a defendant in an Airbnb sexual abuse case, regardless of whether they are a host or another guest.
• Airbnb Host – Hosts are obligated to provide a safe and secure environment for guests, which includes ensuring there is no unlawful entry and that other visitors are respectful of one another’s autonomy.
• Airbnb – Airbnb is obligated to perform proper background checks on hosts. If they find a host may present sexual assault dangers to guests, they must act upon this information.

The Impact of Non-Disclosure Agreements

Before 2021, Airbnb required any accusations of sexual assault or harassment to be resolved through arbitration, which included a non-disclosure agreement. However, this stipulation is no longer in place, making it possible to pursue legal action instead of arbitration [11].

If you’ve been sexually assaulted at a rental property, contact an Airbnb sexual assault attorney from our firm to discuss your next steps, including civil litigation.

Damages You Can Recover in an Airbnb Sexual Assault Claim

Our team will assist you in seeking financial compensation in a sexual assault lawsuit, which may include multiple types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic damages compensate you for financial losses associated with the assault, including:

• Medical bills
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Future medical attention
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damages

Non-economic damages consider the devastating impact of sexual abuse on a person’s life, which includes:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Inconvenience
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of companionship

Punitive damages are rarer and are awarded by a court in cases where the defendant’s acts go beyond gross negligence.

Airbnb’s Insurance Coverage

Airbnb maintains up to $1 million in liability insurance for its hosts. This includes bodily injury, property damage, or damage to common areas. However, it does not cover intentional acts [12]. Our law firm will investigate the applicable liability coverage and work to ensure that any applicable damages are considered.

What to Do If You or Someone You Know Have Been Sexually Assaulted in an Airbnb

It’s crucial to act quickly after an assault to protect yourself and your rights. Follow these steps as soon as possible.

• Call the Police – You should always call 911 before seeking medical assistance.
• Seek Medical Attention – Go to the emergency room and inform them you have been sexually assaulted. They will then have a forensic nurse administer exams to preserve evidence.
• Gather Evidence – Keep all receipts, text messages, and clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Take photos of your injuries.
• Call a Sexual Assault Attorney – Contact our law firm right away so we can explore your legal rights to file a lawsuit.

Airbnb Sexual Assault Claims Should Be Filed Timely

The statute of limitations for a sexual assault lawsuit varies by jurisdiction, ranging from one to five years. It’s crucial to contact our law offices as soon as possible, as this ensures we can file a claim within the legal time limit.

The Prevalence of Airbnb Sexual Assault

Airbnb sexual assault statistics are shrouded in secrecy, as the company does not want to imply responsibility on their behalf or that of their host by acknowledging the extent of the problem. However, the following statistics demonstrate the extent of the danger.

• Airbnb spends an average of $50 million per year in payouts to both guests and hosts who have been the victims of harassment, assault, or physical violence [13].
• In some areas, as many as 85% of Airbnb listings are unlicensed, placing visitors at serious risk [14].
• Inflection, the company that supplies background checks for Airbnb, has been sued over a dozen times for false information on its reports [15].
• Many Airbnb properties contain hidden cameras. This surveillance could leave them vulnerable to sexual assault [16].
• A study by Northeastern University researchers found that increased Airbnb listings led to a rise in violent crimes in neighborhoods [17].

How an Airbnb Sexual Assault Lawyer Can Help

Our law firm will assist you with all aspects of filing a lawsuit, including:

• Assessing how much your case will be worth
• Gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Gathering expert testimony
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you at trial

Contact an Airbnb Sexual Assault Attorney Today!

If you’ve been assaulted at an Airbnb, you deserve justice. Our team has recovered millions in damages for our clients, including victims of Airbnb sexual assault. We work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring top-notch legal assistance is always affordable.

To schedule your free consultation with an accomplished Airbnb sexual assault lawyer, call us 24/7 at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online.

Specific Cases We Handle

• Chicago Clergy Abuse
• College Campus Sexual Assault

References: [1] Airbnb Newsroom, [2] Search Logistics, [3] Business Insider, [4] Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, [5] Airbnb Help Center, [6] The Guardian, [7] Airbnb Help Center, [8] Airbnb Help Center, [9] Airbnb Help Center, [10] Airbnb Help Center, [11] Airbnb Newsroom, [12] Airbnb Help Center, [13] Bloomberg, [14] Axios, [15] Vice News, [16] VPN Overview, [17] PLOS One,

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.