The holidays are approaching which hopefully means that you will be getting together with friends and family to celebrate. And despite these occasions, accidents can and do happen. If you are hosting a holiday party in the near future, it is important to understand the potential liabilities you face and how a personal injury lawyer can help if someone is injured on your property.
Property Owners Owe a Duty of Care to Invited Guests
The general rule is that property owners are legally obligated to ensure that their property is safe for guests and visitors. This rule applies even to private property owners. The question then becomes to what lengths the property owner must go to guard against potential accidents and injuries. The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors.
In the context of a private holiday party, however, the property owner has a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their property in order to avoid causing injury to their invited guests. This would include warning guests of hazards that aren’t immediately apparent and addressing those hazards that are easily remedied. By comparison, the owner of a commercial property would have a stricter duty of care and may have to make a considerably greater effort in order to guard against slip and fall accidents.
Common Causes of Holiday Party Slip and Fall Accidents
A property owner can never totally eliminate the risk of accidents and potential injuries. Understanding the common causes of holiday party accidents can help you identify potential risks and take whatever steps are necessary. For example, the most common causes of accidents at parties include the following:
- Decorations – Floor decorations, particularly those that require electrical cords, can easily become trip hazards. Make sure decorations are secured and that cords will be out of the way of where people are walking.
- Spills – spilled drinks or food on hardwood or tile floors can cause people to slip and seriously injure themselves. Keep an eye out for spills and have supplies handy to quickly wipe them up.
- Stairs – even well-maintained stairs can be difficult to navigate. Minimize the risk of injuries by making sure that your stairs are clear of obstacles, well-lit, and in good repair.
- Party clutter – coats, purses, shoes, and other personal items can become a tripping hazard in high-traffic areas. To avoid potential accidents, help your guests put their belongings somewhere where they will be out of the way.
What About Alcohol?
Most holiday parties will involve guests enjoying a drink or two. As we all know, alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs motor functions and coordination. As a result, people are more likely to get injured when they have been drinking. While you probably aren’t legally liable for injuries due to people drinking, it is a good idea to make sure that your guests aren’t inebriated to the point that they are a danger to themselves or others.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A. Today
The law regarding property owners’ liability for slip and fall accidents is complex. To understand your obligations and how to protect yourself, contact us by phone or email to schedule a consultation.
F. Scott Pauzar, III