The holiday season is in full effect, and it’s the perfect time to host friends and family for parties and gatherings. But remember, whenever you choose to host an event, safety should be your top concern. Business owners, building owners, landlords, homeowners, and even tenants, have an obligation to make sure their premises are reasonably safe and secure for individuals on their property. Take a minute to review these premises liability laws before hosting your event.
Alcohol Liability
Florida is one of the few states that has very limited Dram Shop Laws. Dram Shop Laws state that certain establishments can be held liable for serving alcohol to an individual, if the individual then leaves and causes serious harm to someone else, such as a DUI car accident.
However, in Florida, these laws only apply under two circumstances: when alcohol is served to a minor and when alcohol is served to an individual with a known alcoholic addiction.
With the exception of the above instances, homeowners are generally not liable for an intoxicated person leaving their home. However, it’s still a good idea to monitor guests if there is alcohol present. Make it easy and encourage your guests to use Uber or Lyft.
Property Hazards
Homeowners have the duty of maintaining a safe property for any guests who visit. If you know of any potential danger on your property and you choose not to repair it, you may be liable for any injury that occurs as a result of that hazard. Homeowners also have the duty of warning guests of any potential dangers or unsafe conditions.
Especially in South Florida, take precautions if you have a pool and are hosting an event with children present. Parties often cause distractions and children can wander off. As a property owner, you have a duty to remove the danger of an accidental drowning by fencing your pool.
So as part of your “Holiday To Do List,” take a survey of your property and take care of any necessary maintenance. If you are serving alcohol at your event, be aware of how much your guests are drinking, and, of course, neither you nor your guests should ever drink and drive.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, contact personal injury attorney Steve Hoskins. Mr. Hoskins has over 38 years of experience and is recognized by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. Highly skilled, tough and strategic, Mr. Hoskins and his team of attorneys have obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements for injured victims and their families along the Treasure Coast. His experienced team of auto accident and personal injury lawyers, investigators, specialists and paralegals are ready to defend your rights
For a complimentary consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Okeechobee, call toll-free 866-460-1990.
