Getting Compensation for an Injury During a Family Holiday Party

 Posted on December 11, 2025 in Family Law

The holidays bring families together for meals, gift exchanges, and celebrations. Unfortunately, hazardous conditions at these festivities can sometimes result in injuries. A slippery entryway, crowded rooms, or winter weather can all raise the risk of injury. If you are hurt during a family holiday party, you may have a valid premises liability claim. Our Naperville, IL premises liability lawyers can help explain how Illinois law may apply to your case.

Can You File a Claim If You Are Injured at a Relative’s Home?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you can likely file a claim for compensation with their insurance provider. Under the Illinois Premises Liability Act, property owners must use reasonable care to keep their property safe for people who are legally on the premises. This duty often applies to guests at holiday gatherings.

Filing a claim does not mean that you are directly suing a family member. In most situations, the claim is handled through the homeowner’s insurance policy instead. This insurance exists to cover unexpected injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and serious falls. The process is usually handled by insurance adjusters and lawyers, not by family members personally.

Common Causes for Injuries at Family Holiday Parties That Can Result in an Injury Claim

Homes often look very different during the holidays than they do the rest of the year. Decorations, crowded spaces, and winter weather can all create new risks. Some of the more common causes of holiday party injuries include:

• Snow or ice on sidewalks, driveways, steps, or porches

• Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, or extension cords for decorations

• Poor lighting in stairways, hallways, or outside entrances

• Crowded rooms that increase the risk of trips and falls

• Burns from hot food, candles, fireplaces, or space heaters

Injury claims often focus on whether reasonable steps were taken to correct or warn about dangers that could have been addressed.

How Fault Is Determined After a Holiday Party Injury

Fault depends on the facts of each situation. Insurance companies and courts look at whether the property owner knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition. Were reasonable steps taken to fix the problem or warn guests about it?

They will also scrutinize your actions. Your attorney can help you build a case that supports your negligence claim. Even if you are found partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This rule allows you to recover a portion of the other party’s percentage of fault, as long as you are not more than 50 percent liable.

What Damages Can Be Recovered for a Premises Liability Claim?

A premises liability claim is meant to help cover losses connected to the injury. Compensation often includes medical bills, follow-up care, physical therapy, and time missed from work. It may also include damages for pain, discomfort, and the way the injury affects the person’s daily life. Working with an experienced attorney means that you have a better chance of identifying all your recoverable damages for a more significant settlement.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a DuPage County, IL Premises Liability Attorney

The personal aspect of suffering an injury at a family member’s home can make you hesitate to pursue a claim. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we can help you navigate those complicated waters and pursue the compensation that you need. Call 630-932-9100 today to schedule a free consultation with our Naperville, IL premises liability lawyer. We offer services in English, Spanish, Polish, and Urdu, and are open for Saturday and evening appointments.