South Carolina is a popular vacation destination for families looking to enjoy ideal summertime weather or beautiful days on the beach. Choosing the right vacation rental is one of the most important steps when planning a trip, but even a well-coordinated family getaway can end in disaster if the rental property turns out to be unsafe.
Slip and fall injuries are unfortunately common occurrences in poorly-maintained vacation rentals. You can keep yourself and your family safe by familiarizing yourself with some common slip-and-fall risks in vacation rentals ahead of time so that your trip goes off without a hitch.
Hazardous stairwells
Stairways with loose or broken steps can be disastrous if the property owner does not repair the issue before your arrival. Stairwells that lack handrails or that have inadequate lighting can also be fall risks regardless of their condition.
Wet floors
It goes without saying that wet floors create prime conditions for slip-and-fall accidents. If the landlord rarely visits the property or neglects proper upkeep, then it is possible that a plumbing issue or roof leak might put a literal damper on your vacation.
Pool hazards
Vacation rental owners have a responsibility to clear away any water that could create slipping hazards along the side of a pool. As a measure toward protecting your own safety, it is a good idea to check that the property owner chose a safe poolside tiling material before booking a vacation rental for a property with a pool.
Researching a vacation rental for potential risks and carefully examining the property upon your arrival are both good practices that can prevent avoidable injuries. If you or a family member does experience a slip and fall accident during your vacation, remember that you have every right to pursue legal action against a negligent landlord.