During the holiday season, many companies celebrate with office parties. But what happens if an employee drinks too much at an office party and causes an accident? While many believe the drunk driver is solely responsible, their employer may also bear the weight of their accident.
In this blog, our car accident legal experts will discuss how liability is broken down in these situations. Keep reading to learn more.
The Scope of Employment
Let’s say an employer chooses to supply alcohol at their holiday office party. An employee then decides to drink and gets into an accident on their way to their next destination. In a case like this, an employee participating in their holiday office party is considered to be performing duties within the scope of employment.
An employer can also be responsible for a drunk driving accident if their employees are delivery or commercial truck drivers. The same goes for any accidents that happen on business trips.
Responsibility of Employers
Employers are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure their employees’ safety and well-being. This includes ensuring there is adequate supervision and monitoring throughout any company events.
It also means providing options for safe transportation home or restricting car keys from those who appear intoxicated. It is important to note that employers can also be held accountable if they fail to provide these services or fail to take appropriate action when necessary.
Reality for Victims
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident with a drunk driver who was leaving a work event, you might be entitled to financial compensation. A skilled car accident attorney can help you seek damages from both the employee and the employer. Our team at Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP can assist you with any questions you may have.
To get in touch with our office, call us at (800) 572-7246 or fill out a contact request form on our website.