Georgia residents who host gatherings for friends or family members need to take steps to keep everyone safe. While the goal of a party is to have fun, accidents can happen with little warning. This could result in damaged property or arguments that hurt relationships. Ideally, a homeowner will only allow a limited number of invited guests to their event.
Homeowners should also consider issues that may arise when guests consume alcohol. If alcohol will be served at a party, there should be plenty of food to help counter some of its effects. Furthermore, it may be a good idea to ask that everyone who drinks have a designated driver to bring them home. Depending on how people are coming to the event, it may be a good idea to have a parking plan to prevent guests from doing so illegally.
Those who are going to be throwing a party should review their homeowner’s insurance policy. It may cover some or all of the damage that may occur during the event, but there may be exceptions for damage caused by drunk individuals. It can also be a good idea to consider increasing coverage limits for larger gatherings such as weddings. The homeowners themselves are encouraged to remain sober to better watch over their guests.
Someone who is harmed because of preventable accidents may file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner. This could lead to compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other costs incurred because of the accident. It is important to point out that both guests and homeowners may share responsibility for an accident occurring. An attorney could review a case and help a claimant obtain a favorable outcome.