Ahead of the holiday season, both individuals and companies in Louisiana should be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to social host liability. Whether you’re attending your company holiday party or having to plan/host one yourself, here is what you need to know about whether you can be found liable for an employee’s poor decisions.
Social Host Liability Laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, social host liability laws are strict. If you serve alcohol to someone who is underage or already intoxicated, and they cause injuries to another person as a result, you can be held liable. This applies to both individuals and companies.
For example, let’s say you’re hosting a holiday party for your company at a restaurant. You know that one of your employees is struggling with alcoholism, but you serve them alcohol anyway. If they leave the party intoxicated and cause a car accident, injuring another driver, you can be held liable for their actions.
DUI Crashes Involving Employees
When it comes to DUI crashes involving employees, the company can be held liable if the employee was acting within the scope of their job at the time of the accident. For example, the company will likely be held responsible if an employee is driving a company car when they cause a DUI crash.
Additionally, if an employee is attending a company-sponsored event, like a holiday party, and they cause a DUI crash while driving home from the event, the company can also be held liable. This is because the company is considered to have provided the alcohol that led to the employee’s intoxication.
Although individual responsibility is still the main way to prevent drunk driving accidents, companies hosting gatherings this holiday season should be mindful of how much alcohol people are consuming and provide means of transportation if necessary.
Safe Party Planning Tips
When planning a party or corporate event, especially during the holiday season, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of all guests, particularly regarding alcohol consumption:
- Start by ensuring that your event has a variety of non-alcoholic beverage options available, catering to those who may not drink alcohol and providing alternatives for everyone.
- Consider hiring professional bartenders who are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and can discreetly manage overconsumption.
- Clearly communicate the start and end times of alcohol service and avoid ‘last call’ rushes that encourage excessive drinking.
- Implementing a drink ticket system can also help regulate the amount of alcohol consumed by each guest.
- Provide information on public transportation options, arrange for ride-sharing services, or even consider booking a shuttle service to ensure guests have safe transportation options.
- If the event is at a private residence or an isolated venue, consider arranging accommodations or designated areas for guests who may need to stay overnight.
By taking these proactive steps, you can create a festive and enjoyable atmosphere while significantly reducing the risks associated with alcohol-related car accidents.
New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
The road is no place for an intoxicated individual. Our New Orleans attorneys ensure the safety of all drivers by holding negligent individuals accountable for the injuries they cause by driving drunk. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to discuss your legal options by calling (504) 475-2429.
