How to stir away from a Holiday office party lawsuit

Holiday parties are underway from ugly sweater parties to office parties. The festivities can be all fun and games until someone gets hurt physically or emotionally.

Some may find your company’s annual Christmas party an event they look forward to but for others may find it as a day they may regret the next day.

According to a survey by Challenger Gray & Christmas, nearly 65% of companies plan to host a holiday party this year. However, only nearly 48% of them will serve alcohol. That’s a number 62% down from last year.

If you happen to be at a holiday work party and find yourself in an uncomfortable situation facing sexual comments, local law attorney Ryan Hengl suggest to take action right away.

“The company could potentially get in trouble. Of course, the company would have an argument this was not work related, and that this was off work premises, not during work hours. But the company should play it safe and take some sort of correct of action pursuing to whatever sexual harassment policy they have adopted.”

In all perhaps it’s best to keep your comments to yourself and be respectful. If alcohol is offered at your company party take it easy on the drinks. Arizona law provides a special host exception for companies so that if some were to drink and get into an accident afterwards the company is not held liable.

Companies can be held liable if they serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. So it’s probably best to have a designated person monitoring the bar.