A Tennessee couple has taken legal action against a prominent online marketplace, alleging severe negligence that led to life-altering injuries. On July 31, 2024, Hector Garcia and Blanca Sanchez filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Airbnb, Inc., seeking damages for negligence and loss of consortium.
According to the complaint, plaintiffs Hector Garcia and Blanca Sanchez rented a property through Airbnb's platform located at Lake Coatepeque in Santa Ana, El Salvador. The stay was booked from August 2 to August 4, 2022. The property featured a narrow wooden bridge with metal railings leading to a dock over the lake. On August 3, 2022, while standing on the bridge and leaning on the railing, Garcia fell head-first into the shallow lake after the railing gave way. This fall resulted in multiple fractures including his thoracic vertebrae, right rib, and mandible.
The plaintiffs argue that Airbnb had a duty to ensure that properties listed on its platform were safe and free from hazardous conditions. "Defendants breached their duty by failing to ensure that the Property was safe," states the complaint. The plaintiffs relied on Airbnb’s representations that their accommodations met certain safety standards. They accuse Airbnb of failing to conduct reasonable inspections or ensure compliance with applicable health and safety regulations.
As a result of this alleged negligence, Garcia sustained serious injuries which led to significant medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Furthermore, Blanca Sanchez claims she has been deprived of her husband's comfort and society due to his injuries.
The plaintiffs are seeking general damages as may be proven at trial; costs for past and future medical care; interest on these damages; costs incurred from filing the suit; loss of past and future income or earning capacity; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Hector Garcia and Blanca Sanchez is attorney K.T. Tran from the Law Offices of K.T. Tran based in Downey, California. The case is presided over by Judge [Name] under Case ID CGC-24-616883.