'I was just really scared': N.S. man recovering in B.C. after falling from balcony
A Maritime family is warning others about unexpected hazards you may encounter when renting a place to stay from a private host through platforms like Airbnb.
A man from Halifax was seriously injured in B.C. after he fell about three metres when a balcony railing gave way.
The incident happened Friday night in the community of Vernon.
Lawrence Pickrem and friends had rented a cottage for the weekend.
Checking out the views on the balcony, he and another man leaned on the railing when it gave way.
Lawrence wound-up breaking the other man's fall, but both were hurt.
"I remember looking over and seeing my buddy Barrett's head bleeding and I was just really scared," Pickrem told CTV News from his hospital room in Vernon.
Pickrem suffered a broken pelvis and ruptured spleen.
The incident resulted in a three-hour surgery and a long road to recovery for Lawrence, who, at the end of the day, simply wants to come home to Halifax.
He'd moved west a couple of months ago seeking work opportunities. Instead, he'll likely spend months recovering in Calgary.
"I heard that he had fallen, but I didn't realize it was 20 feet - that's the equivalent of two stories," said Brittany Pickrem, Lawrence's sister who's launched a GoFundMe page to help her brother cover expenses.
"So I underestimated at first what had happened."
An Airbnb spokesperson provided a short statement to CTV News after the Tuesday broadcast deadline.
“The safety of our community is of the utmost importance to us. We are looking into this incident and have reached out to the guest and host to offer additional support," it said.
For background, the company added:
• The Guest received a refund from the Host.
• Hosts on Airbnb must adhere to our Trust and Safety Community Standards.
• Hosts and Guests on Airbnb have access to AirCover – comprehensive protection for Airbnb guests, included for free with every booking. It includes protection from Host cancellations, listing inaccuracies, and other issues like trouble checking in, as well as a 24-hour Safety Line.
As Lawrence recovers, both siblings are urging others not to assume every rental is 100% safe.
"I'm saying, be more cautious. Kind of look around, and don't just trust that everything is how it's supposed to be," said Lawrence.
"Patio or balcony safety is kind of underestimated. So, when you are going on a patio, make sure that it is safe and secure," said Brittany.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.