The Law Offices of William F. Underwood - July/August 2025

Ready to shake or stir things up this summer? Grab your martini glasses because there’s nothing like a summertime soiree. Whether mixing it up with a tropical tiki night, pouring classy spritzers in the garden, or sipping something cool at a poolside bash, hosting a summer cocktail party is the perfect way to serve up flavor and fun. Get ready to be the host or hostess with the mostest with these delicious tips (and sips) to throw the ultimate party this summer! Perfect Party Formula Do you want to keep things casual with familiar beers and classic finger foods, or do you want to see your friends in their best “Great Gatsby” attire sipping on a sidecar for a roaring ’20s-themed party? Plan your theme and the perfect menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees to match. Next, pick out your summer guest squad and invite them at least a month in advance to give them ample notice. Ideally, you want to keep the guest list to about 15 people, mixing in long- time friends and new acquaintances to keep the conversations lively and the party manageable. Mix, Mingle, Move Around Set up an inviting scene with cute cocktail glasses, festive decorations, and different seating options that encourage guests to Sip, Sip, Hooray! Your Perfect Summer Soiree Formula

mingle and have fun. Clear space for a makeshift dance floor, and provide snacks at every little grouping of comfy chairs to entice guests to nosh while they chat. Having an attractive and central bar area can set the party’s mood. You can go all out and hire someone to handle a full bar, create a drink station in the kitchen, or set up a DIY bar cart with recipes and all the ingredients for your friends to be their own bartenders. Shake Up Conversations No celebration is complete without engaging conversation and entertainment. Help your guests get to know each other by putting out fun icebreaker questions on the tables or serving each drink with one. This will get people to open up, laugh, and make new friends (the ultimate party favor). You could also come up with some fun games that encourage a little goofiness, like charades, a board game, or your very own talent show.

Slip, Trip, or Fall at an Airbnb? Your Vacation Rental Might Be Legally Responsible

You planned the perfect getaway: bags packed, itinerary set, and a cozy Airbnb ready to welcome you. But instead of lounging on the deck or exploring the town, you found yourself injured due to a hazard no one warned you about. So, who’s responsible when a relaxing retreat turns into a legal headache? Understanding a Host’s Responsibility When someone opens their home as a short-term rental, they take on a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions for their guests. This includes repairing obvious hazards, inspecting for less visible dangers, and warning guests about anything that could cause harm. If a host knew or should have known about a safety hazard and failed to address it, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. Common issues include broken stairs or railings, loose flooring, water leaks that cause slip-and-falls, faulty wiring, or even structural failures like a collapsing ceiling or balcony. In any of these scenarios, you may have a right to seek compensation if the injury occurred due to the host’s negligence. What About Airbnb’s Role? Unlike hotels, Airbnb does not own or maintain the properties listed on its platform. However, the company does provide liability insurance for hosts under certain conditions. This insurance may

cover injuries sustained during a stay, depending on the specifics of the incident and whether it meets the policy criteria. Determining whether Airbnb’s insurance applies requires a close look at the platform’s terms and the host’s compliance. Why Medical Documentation Matters If you’re injured during an Airbnb stay, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury initially seems minor. Some injuries may take hours or even days to fully present symptoms. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates an official record that can strengthen your legal case. Protecting Your Rights After an injury, you must be cautious about what you say to Airbnb or the host, as your words can be used against you later. Instead, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of premises liability and short-term rental cases. If your dream vacation took a turn due to an unsafe property, know you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. From determining who’s liable to negotiating with insurers, we’ll work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get back on track.

2 | 229-888-0888

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator