Ocala, FL - A Gainesville woman, Dominique Sheffield, has filed a lawsuit against Airbnb, Inc. and three property owners, accusing them of negligence after her child was severely injured in a near-drowning incident at a short-term rental in Ocala. The complaint was filed on January 30, 2026, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court for Marion County.
Alleged Near-Drowning Incident at Short-Term Rental
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 17, 2025, at a residence along NW 35th Street in Ocala. Sheffield’s child, identified by initials S.G., gained access to a backyard swimming pool through what the complaint describes as an “unsecured door.” The filing claims the door lacked a functioning safety lock, child-resistant mechanism, or audible alarm to alert adults.
The child was later discovered floating in the pool while a three-year-old sibling was nearby, according to the lawsuit.
Reported Injuries and Medical Impact
The complaint states that S.G. suffered severe injuries related to submersion, including water aspiration, pulmonary damage, and abnormal blood levels. The child allegedly endured pain, emotional trauma, and ongoing medical treatment requiring transportation and imaging.
Claims of Negligence and Safety Lapses
Sheffield accuses Airbnb and property owners Sara Sprague, Patrick Kester, and Catherine Kester of failing to keep the home safe for guests. Specific allegations include not installing child-resistant locks or alarms, not maintaining a compliant pool barrier, and failing to warn renters about potential drowning risks.
The lawsuit further argues that the danger of pediatric drowning at rental properties is widely recognized and that reasonable safety measures were available but not implemented.
Jury Trial and Damages Requested
Sheffield seeks more than $50,000 in damages, excluding interest and costs. The filing requests compensation for medical care already incurred and for anticipated future expenses. She has also demanded a jury trial.
Legal Accountability After Airbnb Pool Tragedies
When drownings occur at short-term rental homes, families are often left grappling with emotional trauma and questions of accountability. To address how Florida law handles these complex cases, we spoke with nationally recognized drowning accident lawyer Michael Haggard about the legal responsibilities of property owners, rental platforms like Airbnb, and the steps victims’ families can take to seek compensation for their losses.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When an incident like this happens at a short-term rental, who might be held legally responsible?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Responsibility can fall on multiple parties. Property owners are expected to maintain safe conditions under Florida premises liability law. Airbnb and similar platforms may also face claims if they promoted or listed unsafe properties without adequate safety warnings.
Banville: What kind of safety measures are typically expected at a rental property with a pool?
Haggard: Florida law requires certain barriers and childproof features for residential pools. For rentals, that includes secure fencing, self-latching gates, alarms, and—importantly—locks on doors leading to pool areas. Failing to meet those standards can expose owners to liability.
Banville: For parents dealing with these painful circumstances, what legal steps are available?
Haggard: Families can bring negligence actions to recover medical expenses, pain and suffering damages, and costs for ongoing care. An attorney experienced in drowning and premises cases can also evaluate whether a company like Airbnb played a role in allowing unsafe conditions.
Talk With Our Drowning Accident Team Today
Families coping with a drowning or near-drowning at an Airbnb often face mounting medical bills, unanswered questions, and pressure from insurance companies. Our drowning accident lawyers help families understand their rights, investigate what went wrong, and build cases against negligent property owners and rental platforms when safety rules are ignored. If you or your child were harmed in a pool incident at a short-term rental, contact our legal team today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your options for financial recovery.
