Item: Kearns Rotolo Law
Rating: 5
Author: - Stephanie

December 2018 - 'Tis the Season for Celebrating - Do It Wisely

Champagne Flutes Glass This is the season for friends and family to celebrate past accomplishments and future opportunities. Before you send out your invitations, though, understand your responsibilities and liabilities as a social host.

If your holiday party plans include adult beverages, remember that alcohol and minors don’t mix. In New Jersey, serving alcohol to a minor or allowing your property to be used for gatherings where alcohol could be consumed by minors is a criminal offense with penalties of up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines.

But minors aren’t a host’s only consideration. New Jersey’s social host liability laws say that homeowners can, under certain circumstances, be held liable for injuries suffered by guests.

Alcohol-Related Injuries

Under State law, an intoxicated person can’t hold a host liable for injuries resulting from their inebriation; however, a third-party injured as a result of negligence on the part of a “visibly intoxicated” guest can seek punitive damages from the host or the host’s insurance company.

Limit your risks by providing non-alcoholic refreshments, offering alternative means of transportation or overnight accommodations, and not serving alcohol to visibly impaired guests.

Non-Alcohol-Related Injuries

State law also says property owners must take “reasonable care” to prevent injuries to visitors. Property owners could be held liable if a guest is injured as a result of a hazard the property owner knew about, or should have been aware of.

Before your party, survey your property and make necessary repairs: clean up loose materials that pose tripping hazards; and provide adequate lighting for steps, walkways and other areas your guests may use.

Pet-Related Injuries

Your pet may be your best friend, but when it comes to holiday parties he might be better off confined to a kennel or an area of your home not accessible to your guests. In New Jersey, dog owners are liable if their dogs injure anyone lawfully on their property, whether or not the dogs have exhibited aggressive behavior in the past.

Here’s to a happy and safe holiday season!

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The absolute BEST!!! I have a family of attorneys but needed someone local. Victor was recommended to me and words cannot describe how pleased I was with his firm. The outstanding service and attention each member of his staff gave to me surpassed any and all expectations. Victor surrounds himself with a hardworking team that he leads. I felt it was money spent wisely. I will continue to recommend Victor and his associates.

- Stephanie

Mr. Rotolo has helped me numerous times in legal matters and has continued to support and help me through countless hardships. He is dedicated to providing the best service and is a true professional. I will continue to consult with him regarding any legal issues in the future. He is a respectable, hardworking, kind hearted man and I would recommend his legal services to anyone.

- Matthew

I am an attorney and have practiced law for 26 years. I hired Vic to handle a very difficult family matter because I do not handle family law. Vic was extremely competent and obtained a result far beyond my expectations. Without his counsel my son's and family's life would have been changed forever. Thank you Vic for your good lawyering. I very much appreciate the personal attention and time dedicated to this matter. I highly recommend Vic.

- Anthony

We recently had a situation where we needed to hire an attorney. We selected Kearns Rotolo Law and I can honestly say that we were above and beyond satisfied with Vic and his team. We would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone should the need arise. We blindly picked the firm out of the phone book because I liked his ad. Now I believe that God was pointing us in the right direction. Thank you Vic and Kearns Rotolo Law for being there for us in our time of need.

- Kim

Victor's expertise, due diligence, and empathy for his client made my first experience with the law (and last) a non-stressful one. Before the case, I did my research and looked over about 20 lawyers before choosing Victor. All my sources pointed to him as the best and they weren't off even a bit. Victor treated my case like it was his own and kept me up to date with all my appointments, breakthroughs in the case, and guided me step through step in a process that I never thought that I had to come to endure. If Victor's not available Susy will go out of her way to take care you. The productivity and efficiency in that office is second to none. Thank you Victor!

- Michael

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