Are Homeowners Responsible for Guests’ Injuries or Poor Decisions?
Happy Mardi Gras! Insurance Tips for Party Hosts:
Whether you’re hosting a large Mardi Gras party in the Big Easy or planning a Valentine’s (or Galentines) dinner for a few friends and loved ones, it can be stressful to entertain in your home. You’ve planned your party down to the last detail – food, libations, decorations, and a healthy dose of cheer. But even the most consummate party host might overlook one important though not-so-fun aspect of party hosting: insurance liabilities.
From slippery walkways to over served guests, we’ve compiled the information you need to know before you open your house to revelers.
1. Slippery Walkways
You may be dreaming of spring, but depending on where you live, Mother Nature may have more winter weather coming your way – and that can lead to icy walkways. If a guest slips and falls on your slippery stairs, are you liable for his or her medical bills? Known as Premises Liability, if a guest can prove that his or her fall would not have happened if someone (the homeowner) had taken greater care, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Specifics differ by state, but generally, if a sidewalk is on public property, the local municipality holds the liability. (This means that if you host a party at a restaurant or other venue, the business owner is responsible for keeping walkways safe.) Businesses and homeowners are responsible for their own driveways and walkways. So, it’s important to maintain your homeowners (liability) insurance to protect you in the event that a guest falls and incurs an injury on your property – and remember to shovel and scrape your walkways to keep them ice-and hazard-free.
2. Over Served Guests
If the liquor is flowing at your gathering, it’s important to know the law regarding any guests who over-imbibe and choose to drive. Many states have “social host liability” laws in place. These allow someone who is injured by an intoxicated person (i.e., the victim of a drunk driver) to sue the host who supplied the alcohol. In some states and some cases, hosts can even be criminally prosecuted under a set of laws known as the “Serving Intoxicated Persons,” or SIP, laws. (One notable exception to this law is California, which absolves party hosts of all liability from incidents caused by intoxicated guests who are of legal drinking age.) Maintain your liability insurance, keep an eye on guests to keep intoxicated party-goers from driving, and never serve alcohol to minors.
‘Tis the season to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year with friends and family. By knowing the laws and keeping your homeowners insurance up-to-date, you can do so with peace of mind.
Have questions about your homeowners policy? Contact us 888-292-7277.
By: Nancy Hallahan