The Super Bowl is almost here. This may be one of the biggest party days of the year. The reality is this is often the biggest party of the year. If you have plans for a Super Bowl party at your house there are some important things you need to know before you break out the chips to be aware of how to prevent injuries and steer clear of premises liability.

Premises liability refers to the responsibility or duty of a property owner or occupier for injuries that occur on their property. This means that if you are injured on someone else’s property, you may be able to sue the owner or occupier for damages if they were negligent in maintaining the property or failed to warn you of a hidden danger. There are a few specific elements of a premises liability case:

• Property owners or occupiers have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. These visitors may be invited or even uninvited.
• The property owner or occupier must have breached their duty of care by failing to maintain the property in a safe condition or failing to warn visitors of a hidden danger.
• The breach of duty must have been the cause of the visitor’s injuries.
• The visitor must have suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

An example of a premises liability claim could include a party guest slipping and falling on something that leads to an injury like a broken bone. This is one way you can breach the duty to maintain your property that can result in a premises liability claim. The next question is how can you work to prevent injuries of this sort at your home? Before your guests arrive take a look around for apparent tripping hazards. Eliminate tripping hazards like loose rugs or cords and secure furniture in high-traffic areas. Check for uneven surfaces and checks indoors and outdoors. Ensure adequate lighting, both indoors and outdoors, to prevent falls and other Big Game party injuries.

Always follow cooking instructions carefully with any food you serve or someone brings to your home to ensure it has reached proper internal temperatures for safe consumption. Serve hot food hot and cold food cold. Avoid leaving food at room temperature for extended periods to help prevent a food borne illness. Along with preventing food poisoning, it’s important to be aware of any food allergies your guests may have. If you’re unsure about someone’s allergies, it’s always best to ask directly before planning the menu.

Planning on having alcohol at your party? Responsible drinking and designated drivers are a must! Be aware of the potential for underage drinking and ensure adults at the party don’t provide alcohol to minors. A good idea is having high-protein foods alongside snacks as these tend to slow down the absorption of alcohol. Be aware that non-alcoholic beverages keep everyone hydrated. Anyone who consumes alcohol at your party must have a designated driver or is willing to employ a ridesharing service like Uber or LYFT. Anyone leaving your house who is driving under the influence can potentially hold you liable. Another option is having a spare room or sleeping area available for anyone who needs it.

This is not a time to be subtle. Make your guests aware that you expect them to behave responsibly and to follow your rules. Warn them in advance about any potential hazards. Don’t be afraid to tell someone to leave if they are acting out or disrespecting your rules. Before your guests arrive it’s a good time to check your homeowners insurance policy and make sure you have adequate coverage in case of an accident. Consider adjusting your coverage or getting additional insurance.

By following these guidelines, you can sit back and enjoy the game and your friends. As a responsible host it’s up to you to set rules and ensure a safe environment. Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you find yourself suffering from any Big Game party injuries due to the negligence or recklessness of another, we can help you better understand your rights and options.

We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others.  At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!