Summer is on its way and when the sun decides to shine nothing beats a good garden party.
Getting the barbecue out of the garage, stocking up on food and drinks and buying games for the kids are all part of a British summer.
However if you are thinking of hosting a party in your home or garden there are a few things you need to consider.
When people are invited to your home in you are required by law to provide a basic duty of care to all guests.
If accidents occur and the hosts can be proved to have been negligent a claim for compensation could be made.
Recently a young boy attended a party where the hosts had hired a bouncy castle for the event.
Whilst playing on the bouncy castle the young boy was accidentally struck in the head by an older boy which resulted in severe brain injuries.
The young boy's parents made a claim for compensation and were awarded one million pounds as the party hosts were deemed to have failed in adequately supervising the bouncy castle.
The case may open up the possibility of other claims for accidents to children whilst in the care of others.
The main point however is that in this case a duty of care was not provided and negligence on the part of the hosts could be proved.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust state that in only a few cases have people been successfully sued when an accident has occurred caused by children playing.
Children get bumps and scrapes all the time, so unless it can be proven that negligence has occurred, it is not the fact that a child is hurt that is the basis for the compensation claim.
It is important to clarify that negligence does not automatically result in liability.
For a claim for compensation to be made the victim must prove that those who were negligent owed them a duty of care, such as having invited them as a visitor into their own home.
If a claim is made under these circumstances sometimes home insurance will cover it, although it is important to check as insurers all offer different cover for different things in their policies.
Buildings cover for example may pay out if a part of the exterior of the house became loose and hurt someone; such as roof tile falling and onto someone can causing injury, or a piece of the window frame coming loose and scraping someone.
Household contents cover will often cover accidents that occur in the home or private garden; so accidents arising from a party may be covered by home insurance.
Personal liability cover is often included in home insurance and protects against accidents such as slips, trips and other incidents.
These incidents however are not common and most people host wonderful parties without a hitch.
However it is important to check with your insurance provider what you are covered for and ensure that you take responsibility for the safety of your guests when you invite them to your home.