Super Bowl Sunday! Americans are gearing up to watch the big game with plenty of snack foods-and for those of age-booze. As a nation, those snacks are consumed along with 325 million gallons of beer. 50% of Americans either hosted or went to a Super Bowl party in 2015 according to Time.
During any party, the ‘host’ or ‘hostess’ legally has responsibilities to their guests. In 2016, a law passed ruling homeowners or a host of an offsite party has a duty to provide care and exercise reasonable caution to protect their guests. Tabor Law Firm wants to caution both party hosts and attendees to be aware of the important facts regarding Social Host responsibility in Indiana.
Here are the facts:
- A host must use “reasonable care” for the safety of their guests. This includes limiting or stopping alcohol consumption, and not letting them drive.
- As a host, make sure to have homeowner insurance-any claim for an injured guest would be handled under your homeowner insurance coverage.
- Do not provide alcohol to minors.
- Be aware. As a host, if you foresee harm to one of your guests you may be held liable in the event of injury or death.
- You and your guests may be jointly responsible if your guests leave intoxicated and cause an accident. If your impaired guest crashes and causes a fatal accident or seriously injures someone you, as well as your intoxicated guest, may be held liable for the loss or injury to another.
- If there is a hazard or danger in your home, you must make guests aware of this. Some examples include icy walkways, broken railings, and aggressive pets.
A recent settlement highlights how important it is to understand your duties as a social host. A host of a large Halloween party in California was found liable for over 44 million dollars due to not taking reasonable security measures for his party. As a result of the lack of security, uninvited intruders began attacking party guests, which ultimately escalated, resulting in two individuals being shot multiple times by the intruders. The injuries sustained from these bullet wounds resulted in life-changing, devastating injuries to both parties. The 44 million dollar settlement was split between three individuals for both the emotional and physical suffering they will experience for the rest of their lives.
If you are hosting, be responsible. If you are a guest injured at a party or injured by an intoxicated guest who just left a party, you may be entitled to receive compensation.
Contact Tabor Law Firm as soon as possible for additional information and advice on who may be liable for your injuries.
