It’s that time of year again! While all football fans are eagerly awaiting the big game day, some select enthusiasts are beginning to plan their Super Bowl parties. Super Bowl parties are a major annual event and typically bring dozens of people under one roof to celebrate and enjoy the game together. But, any time you gather guests in your home, you run the risk of an accident occurring.
If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this year, there’s more to plan for than just food and drinks. When you invite guests into your home, you may become liable for any injuries that occur within your four walls. Liability even extends to your backyard, front yard, driveway and sidewalks.
Plan the best party possible by following our tips for a fun and safe Super Bowl party and, in the unfortunate event that a guest does become injured, contact aslip and fall attorneyto better understand your rights.
Keep Furry Friends Away From Guests
According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.7 million dog bites and attacks occur in the United States each year. While most people associate adog bitewith only certain aggressive breeds of dogs, it is important to know that smaller, cute looking dogs can also attack without warning and cause major injuries.
According toCalifornia dog bite statute, a state law that makes dog owners liable for injuries caused by their dogs, states that all dog owners are strictly liable for their dog’s behavior. Keep pets away from Super Bowl guests in order to reduce the risk of a bite or attack.
In noisy situations like a party, dogs often act out of character and lunge at unsuspecting guests. Be sure to keep your dog outdoors or in a separate room in order to keep guests and your dog safe from harm.
Fight Back Against Winter Weather And Keep Icy Walkways Clear
The Super Bowl is February’s biggest spectator event. In colder climates, this typically means Super Bowl parties are held in the thick of inclement winter weather. If it snows before, after, or during the Super Bowl, it’s your responsibility to make sure guests are safe from falling.
Keep any walkways clear of snow and ice to ensure an unsuspecting guest does not slip and fall. Be sure to add salt to icy walkways in order to melt the snow or create traction between a friend’s foot and the ground beneath them.
Be sure to sufficiently clear the snow from your driveway so guests can easily move their cars in and out, and safely walk from your home to their car when the party is over. If you fail to take the proper steps to clear snow and ice from designated pathways, you may be held liable for a guest’s slip and fall accident. Slip and fall injuries can be minor, or in some cases, they can be far more serious, causing major injuries leaving behind thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Mind Your Serving Sizes And Don’t Be Scared To Cut Someone Off
At any party, it’s important to be mindful of alcohol consumption. Never over-serve a guest and learn the signs of intoxication before they occur. Never be too scared to cut someone off, their life may depend on it.
If a guest is slurring their words, unable to perform basic motor skills, or has become irate or inconsolable, these are all signs that they have had too much to drink. If an individual is too intoxicated, never let them drive their car home.
In the event that a guest is so intoxicated that they begin to throw up or pass out unconscious, never take any risks. Try to keep the intoxicated guest awake and responsive and call an ambulance immediately. Alcohol poisoning can kill.
Never allow underage guests to drink alcohol, even under their parents’ supervision. Even if the child’s parents are okay with their child drinking alcohol, the legal drinking age is 21 under federal law. Under California’s “social host” law, a homeowner is held liable for any injuries, illnesses or damages that occur when an underage person is served alcohol in their home.
Plan Proactively For Safe Rides Home
When the party’s over, many guests might be intoxicated. The end of a Super Bowl party is not the time to begin scrambling to find guests safe and sober rides home. By planning safe rides proactively, you can ensure that all guests get home safely with minimal to no effort.
Designate sober drivers ahead of time and make sure that those drivers do not drink alcohol at the party. Keep the phone number for a taxi service on hand and download apps for rideshare services. In many cases, rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber offer promotions for getting safe rides home after the Super Bowl. Research your options ahead of time to make sure no one drives home intoxicated because they weren’t able to find a ride.
In the worst case scenario, if a drunk guest cannot find a ride home, invite that guest to stay at your house overnight. Letting a drunk guest operate a vehicle puts them and innocent drivers on the road at risk, and the results could be deadly.
Homeowners Can Be Held Liable For Accidents On Their Property Under Premises Liability Law
If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this year, plan for accidents just like you plan for buying snacks, alcohol, and decorations. Any time you welcome guests into your home, you run the risk of an accident occurring on your property. By taking the steps to proactively keep guests safe, you can enjoy your Super Bowl party without worrying about a thing.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, during a Super Bowl party or other gathering, contact The Accident Network Law Group right away. Our team of personal injury attorneys are skilled in navigating California premises liability law and will make sure you understand what legal options you have moving forward.
