blog home Premises Liability Hosting a Holiday Party? Here’s What You Need to Know about Liability

Hosting a Holiday Party? Here’s What You Need to Know about Liability

By Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie on October 1, 2018

With the holidays upon us, party planning is in full swing. Like any other holiday season, many party hosts and partygoers will have to deal with holiday party injuries, that will definitely “throw a wrench” into a night of merriment.

During this holiday season, social hosts and homeowners in California should be extra careful about liability for holiday party injuries. Who is liable and how can you help keep your guests safe? Our personal injury attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie provides advice and guidance that will keep your holidays merry.

Liable 'Parties'

1. Social Hosts

Many states have enacted laws holding party hosts liable for injuries guests may cause while intoxicated. Liability can be triggered when social hosts continue to provide and serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals and the inebriated individuals cause injuries to themselves or others.

Social host laws vary from state-to-state and a number of states limit this variety of liability to hosts who provide alcohol to minors. For instance, California law significantly limits third-party liability for alcohol-related accidents. In California, lawmakers have essentially absolved bars, restaurants, party hosts, and most others of potential liability for selling or furnishing alcohol to customers and guests, in most (but not all) situations.

2. Homeowners

It’s not uncommon for partygoers to take a spill or two at holiday parties. If you get injured at a friend's holiday shindig, the homeowner could be liable for your injury under the theory of premises liability. Homeowners should take holiday party precautions and safeguard their homes from both indoor and outdoor hazards.

A great place to start thinking potential liability is to focus on your decorations. Steer clear of open-flame candles and flammable holiday décor and don’t forget to put your sharp-edged figurines away.

Steps to Take

If you're a party host concerned about limiting your holiday party liability, you may want to throw your holiday soiree at a restaurant or some other off-site location.

Party hosts who can't seem to find holiday cheer without alcohol should hold their holiday events at establishments with liquor licenses. That way the alcohol will be served by professional bartenders who know how to respond to guests who are consuming alcohol in excess.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie provide reliable legal representation you may need to protect your rights and we can advise you whether or not an accident may warrant legal action. We offer a free consultation, so call us at 949-752-7474 to schedule your free consultation today.

Related Articles:

Posted in: Premises Liability

(...)

Even if you aren't sure you have a case, give us a call at (888) 752-7474, or fill out our Free Case Review below.
We are here to help.

Free Case Review

We’re here to help.

We're sorry about what happened to you. It shouldn't have, and that's why we do what we do - go after justice for people who were injured by someone else. You're not alone. Reach out, engage with us, and contribute your expertise to the process. This is a relationship - we can learn just as much from you as you can from us!

After all, it's your needs we're fulfilling. If you want a great Orange County personal injury attorney who you can trust, contact Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.

Se Habla Español مکالمه به زبان فارسی

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted via the info given through email, phone call, or text message.

Get In Touch

Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie
4400 MacArthur Blvd Ste 370
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Toll Free: (888) 752-7474
Local: (949) 752-7474
Email: contactus@allenflatt.com

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should formally consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Please be advised, however, contacting us, submitting a case to us, and/or discussing your case with us does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

©2024 Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie. All Rights Reserved.

Free Case Review

Our legal team is ready to help you. Complete the following form and a member of our staff will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss your case. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.

Se Habla Español مکالمه به زبان فارسی

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted via the info given through email, phone call, or text message.