Having people over, whether it’s for a small get-together or for a big party, will require homeowners to think a little about safety. First of all, Georgia homeowners are advised to inquire about their limit of liability coverage in their insurance policies. For especially large events, such as weddings, it may be a good idea to add coverage.
Home insurance can cover some damage and injuries, but it may not cover incidents related to high-risk items like swimming pools and trampolines. Before the gathering, homeowners should inform their guests about the presence of such items.
In addition, it’s wise to limit the number of guests and never allow strangers in the home. Parking should be planned accordingly to reduce the risk of people parking illegally or damaging other vehicles.
If alcohol will be served, homeowners should be aware of what is called social host liability. There are a few tips they can consider to limit that liability. For example, it’s best to serve non-alcoholic beverages and food along with alcoholic drinks. Guests should also be encouraged to have a designated driver or be accommodated for the night as a last resort.
Those who are visibly intoxicated shouldn’t be served more alcohol. For some events, it could be beneficial to hire a professional bartender who could handle such issues.
Someone who is injured on another’s property due to what they believe to be a preventable accident may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner. It must be shown that the owner failed to uphold the duty of care to the plaintiff (assuming the plaintiff was a lawful entrant). For this process, a victim may want to hire a lawyer who could build up the case.