Liability at Parties: What Now?

Questioner

Together with friends I have a foundation with which we organize parties for our school (HBO). During one of those parties a girl fell down the stairs because she sat on a table that blocked the stairs and then slid down the stairs. The girl was admitted to the hospital and can now not work etc. for 2 weeks. She wants to hold the foundation (group that organized the party) liable. Is this allowed? Who knows, maybe she was drunk and danced against the table or someone pushed her in that direction. Can a party organizer be held liable for this? And if so, what happens if you are not insured for this?

Lawyer

Dear questioner, Your liability as an organizer depends on various factors. Are there witnesses? What do they say about the incident? Who had placed the table near the stairs and did this create a dangerous situation? How serious was the injury? Had the girl been drinking and if so, can this be confirmed by witnesses? Unfortunately, I cannot give a clear answer based on your question. However, if you are liable, you are responsible for compensating the damage yourself. I wish you the best of luck.

Lawyer

You will not be held personally liable quickly. The foundation may be. Whether it is actually liable depends on all kinds of circumstances as my colleague outlines. If the liability claim is made, I advise you to seek legal assistance.