Attacked at a Vacation Rental? You May Have a Claim Against the Owner

Assaulted at a Vacation Rental? Your Negligent Security Claim Explained

You rented a vacation property to relax and feel safe. Instead, you were assaulted, attacked, or sexually violated. The owner failed to provide basic security—and that failure made the attack possible.

This is a trauma. It’s also a legal wrong. You have rights, and you can pursue justice.

When a Vacation Rental Owner Can Be Held Liable

Property owners have a legal duty to protect guests. This means providing reasonable security to prevent foreseeable harm—including violent crime.

A negligent security claim holds property owners accountable when they fail to provide reasonable security. Reasonable security typically includes:

• Working locks and deadbolts on all doors
• Adequate lighting in common areas and parking zones
• Security cameras
• Controlled access (gates or key cards)
• Staff presence or a 24/7 contact protocol

If an owner knew—or should have known—about security gaps and did nothing, they may be liable.

The attacker’s criminal act does not protect the owner from liability. If the owner’s negligence enabled the crime, the owner bears responsibility.

Under Fla. Stat. §768.81, you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault. You must show the owner’s negligence was a substantial factor in your injury.

What Negligent Security Claims Cover

CHG Personal Injury Lawyers handles vacation rental assault and negligent security claims nationwide. We represent victims in cases involving:

• Assaults and attacks at Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rentals
• Sexual assaults and sexual violence at vacation properties
• Robberies and violent crimes enabled by inadequate security
• Physical injuries (broken bones, cuts, head trauma)
• Psychological harm (PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions)
• Cases where the owner knew about security risks but failed to act
• Wrongful death claims if the assault was fatal
• Claims against property owners, management companies, or platforms

How We Investigate Your Negligent Security Claim

A strong claim requires thorough investigation. Here’s our process:

Step 1: Document your incident and injuries. We gather your account, medical records, police reports, injury photographs, and witness statements.

Step 2: Obtain the property’s security history. We request incident reports, prior complaints, and records of previous crimes at the property.

Step 3: Inspect the property. We visit the rental to identify security gaps: broken locks, inadequate lighting, missing cameras, lack of controlled access.

Step 4: Research reasonable security standards. We examine similar properties and industry standards to establish what reasonable security should have looked like.

Step 5: Consult with experts. We work with security professionals and medical specialists to measure your injuries and establish the owner’s negligence.

Step 6: Demand compensation. We send a detailed demand letter to the owner’s liability insurer, backed by evidence.

Step 7: Negotiate or litigate. We pursue settlement or file a lawsuit and prepare for trial if necessary.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed and handle all communication with insurers.

What You Can Recover in a Negligent Security Claim

Compensation can include:

• Medical expenses: emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, specialist visits, medication
• Ongoing treatment: mental health counseling, PTSD therapy, physical rehabilitation
• Lost income: wages lost while recovering or unable to work
• Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life
• Psychological damages: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions
• Punitive damages: in cases of gross negligence, additional damages to punish the owner
• Wrongful death benefits: if the assault was fatal, funeral costs and loss of companionship

For more information on what damages you may recover, see Personal Injury Damages.

Steps to Take After an Assault at a Vacation Rental

Protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Document all injuries with photos and medical records.
2. Report to law enforcement. File a police report and obtain a report number.
3. Report to the platform and owner. Notify Airbnb, VRBO, or the property owner in writing.
4. Preserve evidence. Keep photos of the property, security features, and any injuries.
5. Gather witness statements. Collect contact information from other guests or staff.
6. Do not sign waivers. Never sign a settlement without legal advice.
7. Contact an attorney immediately. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years. Evidence and memories fade quickly.

Common Questions About Negligent Security Claims

Why Choose CHG Personal Injury Lawyers

Our practice focuses exclusively on catastrophic and serious injuries, including negligent security claims. We offer:

• Licensed attorneys admitted to the Florida Bar with extensive experience in premises liability
• Nationwide representation—we handle cases across the United States
• Thorough investigation, property inspections, and expert consultation
• All communication with insurers handled by us
• Contingency representation—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation

We Represent Victims Nationwide

While based in Florida, we handle negligent security cases across the United States. Whether your incident occurred in Florida or anywhere else, we can help.

For more information on related claims, see Negligent Security Lawsuits and Sexual Assault & Abuse Claims.

If you were assaulted at a vacation rental because the owner failed to provide reasonable security, you may have a negligent security claim. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.