A group of plaintiffs has taken legal action against a major online accommodation platform following a harrowing incident that left them with severe injuries. On April 21, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Airbnb, Inc., and other unnamed defendants.
The lawsuit was initiated by Hallie Marshall and several others who allege that Airbnb's negligence led to their injuries. The plaintiffs recount an event on April 22, 2023, where they were guests at a property listed on Airbnb located at 580 Little Tree Road in West Jefferson, North Carolina. During their stay, an eight-foot by ten-foot section of the deck collapsed under them due to faulty construction and lack of maintenance. This incident resulted in significant physical injuries and emotional distress for those involved. The complaint outlines accusations against Airbnb for strict liability and negligence per se under the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act. The plaintiffs argue that Airbnb failed to notify the property owner about necessary repairs to keep the property safe, thus breaching its statutory duty.
According to the court documents, Airbnb's role as a "real-estate broker" under North Carolina law required it to ensure properties were fit for rental use. The plaintiffs claim that if Airbnb had fulfilled this obligation by alerting the landlord about the deck's unsafe condition, they would not have been injured. As such, they hold Airbnb responsible for their physical injuries and emotional trauma resulting from witnessing loved ones suffer during the collapse.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court. They demand general damages for their suffering and medical expenses incurred due to their injuries. Additionally, they seek compensation for economic losses such as lost earnings and interest on damages. The complaint also includes claims for negligent infliction of emotional distress experienced by several family members who witnessed each other's falls during the incident. Furthermore, claims for loss of consortium are brought forward by spouses who suffered due to their partners' injuries.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys Elise R. Sanguinetti and Matthew J. Kita from Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team LLP. The case is presided over in the Superior Court of California with Case ID CGC-25-624559.