Avoiding Liability While Hosting
Even this far into a whirlwind of a year that began with not only a bang, but also an unprecedented pandemic, it is hard to believe that the end of summer is only a few days away. Many people will be throwing parties and backyard barbecues in an effort to celebrate the last glimpse of summer. This is especially true here in Florida where the number of COVID-19 cases is unfortunately continuing to escalate, causing more people than ever to indulge in celebrations away from public venues. But unfortunately, there will still be plenty of risks this holiday period. The National Safety Council estimates 390 people may die on U.S. roads during Labor Day weekend.
And while hosting an event of your own may seem like a responsible way to celebrate, you should still be mindful of your own potential liability if you are planning on throwing a Labor Day event – and the fact that your homeowner’s insurance may not be enough to get you out of it.
Understanding Premises Liability and Your Responsibility as a Property Owner
Accidents occur all the time on someone else’s property and they may or may not trigger legal liability. Premises liability typically comes into play in the context of a personal injury case when someone is injured on the property due to a breach of a duty that resulted in the unsafe or defective condition that caused the injury. Therefore, you should keep in mind that as both the homeowner and host of a Labor Day gathering, it is up to you to put effort into ensuring that your home and yard are safe for the guests you invite to your property. Before your event ever happens, take some time to walk around and check out the state of potentially hazardous things that may get overlooked on a day-to-day basis. For example:
- Make sure that the structure of your deck, patio, and any stairs leading from them down to your yard are intact and structurally sound
- Plan to stop serving your guests alcoholic beverages at least an hour before the event ends to prevent the risk of anyone driving while intoxicated and encourage everyone in advance to make alternate plans such as designating a sober driver or using a rideshare company like Uber
- Decide in advance where to give your pet a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of your party and away from anyone who may be unfamiliar with animals
- If you have a pool, ensure you also have safety measures in place (like a fence with locks) to discourage unwanted visitors from going into the pool and stress to guests that their children will need to be supervised at all times
We Offer the Help You’ll Need if You’re Injured in a Labor Day Accident
By considering the risks in advance, it is our hope that everyone is able to celebrate a safe and fun-filled Labor Day weekend this year. If things go differently and you or a loved one experiences an injury on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Following the injury, it is essential to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Afterward, you should contact an experienced attorney who will be able to guide you in the right direction to pursue a claim and the compensation you may be entitled to. As the Miami personal injury attorneys at Payer & Associates, we offer free initial legal advice regarding your potential premises liability lawsuit. Contact us today to begin with a no-obligation, no-cost consultation.
Resource:
worldometers.info/coronavirus/usa/florida/
https://www.payerandassociates.com/coping-with-paralysis-after-a-car-crash/
