Latest Blogs

Planning a small gathering or celebration at home for a few friends and family might seem like a wise and cost-effective idea at the time. However, there are a number of things that house party hosts should take into account before finalizing such plans. Guests who sustain injuries while attending a party on someone's property and/or in someone's home might find it necessary to file lawsuits to obtain compensation for those injuries. According to Fort Myers personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey, accidents, such as slip and falls or trip and falls, may seem minor in nature, particularly if they occur while visiting someone's home; however, such accidents can result in very severe injuries. That said, it is important for homeowners to be aware of their duties and obligations under the law if they choose to entertain at home, and it is equally important for guests to know their legal rights as well.

The Duty of Care Owed to Guests

Homeowners are expected to maintain a safe environment for individuals who have been invited to their homes. What that means is that hosts have an obligation to notice and prevent conditions that might cause visitors to hurt themselves, unless the hazards are so obvious that the guests should see them and be able to avoid them on their own. Anyone who sustains an injury from a condition that the host could have or should have fixed or warned of may be entitled to compensation for any injuries incurred.

Serving Alcohol at the Party--Watch Out for Minors and Adults

As your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will tell you, it is imperative for both hosts and party-goers to be mindful of how their actions might lead to legal liability. This is especially important when it comes to serving and consuming alcohol and making certain that all the guests get home safe and sound.

Some individuals may not be aware that under Florida's "Open House Party" law, hosts must ensure that if they are serving alcohol to their guests, those guests must be the legal drinking age of 21. Anyone who violates that law can be charged with a second degree misdemeanor and if the individual ends up getting seriously hurt, the host might face a first degree misdemeanor charge. Additionally, liability can be imposed against a host who allows an intoxicated guest to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and an accident occurs that involves injuries to third parties.  

What Can Be Done to Minimize the Possibility of Injuries While Entertaining at Home?

There are a few simple things that hosts can do to minimize the possibility of injury. If there are any known hazards on or in the property, such as a piece of carpet that is not completely tacked down or an uneven sidewalk area, be sure to properly notify the guests of those issues so that they do not hurt themselves. Likewise, if you are a guest at someone's home, and you notice a potential hazard, do your best to avoid the hazard and notify the host of it as soon as possible.

If you or someone you love has sustained injuries while attending a party at someone's home, contact a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.