During the summer, there’s nothing more fun than hosting parties for family and friends to get together for great barbecue, tasty drinks and good conversation, but are party hosts liable for personal injuries that happen at their place?

Accidents happen, and you probably don’t think they’ll happen at your party, but when they do, what are your rights? This article discusses the legal question, when are party hosts liable for personal injuries.

When is a party host liable for a personal injury accident?

It’s the same for any gathering, a homeowner is liable for any accident and injuries that occur on their property if the injuries were due to their negligence. See this article on premises liability.

A host may be considered legally liable for injuries if the following three conditions are met:

1. Was the injured party was on the property lawfully. Basically, was that person invited?
2. Did the host act negligently? Were they aware of a safety issue and did not take steps to remedy the situation and or warn the guests?
3. Was the guest injured as a result of this negligence?

What can party hosts due to minimize the chances of an accident happening?

To reduce the possibility of a personal injury accident, a homeowner should take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their guests. This is especially true if they plan to serve alcohol at the party. Minimize any possibility of being tried as negligent.

Some examples of minimizing safety issues:

• Roping off unsafe areas and warning guests about the danger
• Keep walking areas free and clear of tripping hazards
• Cleaning up spills and warning guests
• Repairing broken hand rails or unsafe stairs before use
• Keeping an eye on guests to ensure responsible drinking

What should hosts do if they worry that they may face a personal injury lawsuit?

Read your homeowner’s insurance policies and add specific policies that pertain to you. If they’re already facing a lawsuit, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

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