It’s that time of year again when parties with family, friends, and co-workers are plentiful and slips and falls will be on the rise! As a party host, you have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment. If your responsibility is not met, you may find yourself liable for slip and fall accidents should they occur, also known as premises liability. However, understanding the factors that can lead to slip and fall accidents and taking the proper precautions can prevent your holiday party from being ruined by an otherwise avoidable accident.
Clear Outdoor Pathways
While we don’t have snowy white winters in Orange County, California, it’s important to remember that slip and fall accidents are not just limited to icy sidewalks. To ensure the safety of your party guests entering your home or venue, make sure that all outside pathways are clear of debris or potential obstacles. Also be sure to have walkways properly lit to avoid accidents when it’s dark outside.
Safeguard Indoor Areas
Slip and fall accidents can occur inside the home as well. Health Care Associates suggests that area rugs may be the biggest culprit when it comes to slip and fall accidents. Throw rugs have the tendency to bunch up making it easy for the young and old to trip on them. WebMD suggest removing throw rugs or at least taping or tracking them to the floor. The Health Care Guide also suggests leaving on lights and de-cluttering stairs, which is especially important in two-story houses, where guests may be traveling up and down the steps to use the bathroom. Lastly, securing electrical cords and ensuring cabinets and drawers are completely closed, can also be applied to slip and fall accident prevention in the home setting.
Pay Attention to Pets
While pets like being the center of attention, they often enjoy lying in the middle of prime walking areas. This can make a cuddly cat or dog a dangerous tripping hazard and WebMD found that more than 87,000 Americans are injured by family pets each year. It’s important for hosts and guests to be aware of the animal’s presence so they are not caught off guard when they find a furry friend beneath their feet.
Slip and fall accidents can damper the holiday spirit. No one wants to see a friend or relative get hurt and they certainly do not want to face a premises liability claim. The personal injury lawyers at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie suggest that all party hosts take the proper precautions to prevent holiday party injuries.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie provide reliable legal representation you may need to protect your rights and 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.