If you were injured at a party due to your host’s negligence, you deserve compensation.
Parties are supposed to be fun. And the vast majority of get-togethers do go off without a hitch. But every so often, an accident will happen that can not only ruin the party, but potentially change the life of the victim.
If you have been injured at a party, you might at first be reluctant to pursue compensation. After all, the host might be your good friend or even a relative. However, ultimately it is much more important for you to get the cash you need to pay your medical bills and support yourself during your recovery than it is for you to protect the host’s feelings. If the host really cares about you, they will understand and support your decision to make a claim against their homeowners insurance.
Here are a few possible party accident scenarios that could lead to a personal injury claim.
Slips, Trips & Falls
Party hosts are expected to have their property in reasonably safe condition when opening their homes to guests. However, many slip and trip hazards can get overlooked, especially if furniture is rearranged for a party. For example, people often move the TV for a Superbowl party, which can leave cords exposed where guests could trip over them. According to insurance experts, slip and fall and trip and fall injuries are actually the number one cause of loss for residential properties.
Dog Bites
Even the most well-behaved dog has the potential to get overwhelmed by all the action at a party and start acting up. This is especially true if you have a rowdy party with lots of noise and yelling. A dog might become confused and perceive a threat in what is really just good-natured yelling or horseplay. Any time a dog bites without provocation and without the injured individual having knowingly assumed the risk of interacting with the animal, the dog’s owner is liable for the injury.
The dog does not necessarily have to intend any harm for there to be an injury and a liability issue. Even if a dog simply trips or knocks down a guest, the owner could be liable for the resulting injuries.
Underage Drinking Accidents
Under California’s social host liability laws, any adult who furnishes alcohol to a minor at a house party becomes liable for any injuries or damages the minor might cause to themselves or others while intoxicated. For example, say a drunk minor tries to push another guest into the pool and that guest falls on the pool deck and hurts their back. The host could be liable for the back injury.
Need Help Pursuing a Premises Liability Claim?
Contact The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We will be happy to set up a free initial consultation with Attorney Vargas to go over the basics of your case and see if you have a strong claim for compensation following a party accident.
