And when an accident occurs during an association-sponsored event, plaintiffs rarely target just one party. Injured guests routinely take a ‘shotgun’ approach to claims, naming every entity in sight: the board, the unit owner, the property management firm, and any hired vendors who might possibly bear some culpability in the mishap. The central fight then becomes determining legal responsibility and deciding which insurance policy steps up first. That’s why it’s so important for volunteer boards, community managers, and individual residents alike to understand how liability typically unfolds, and to take the steps necessary to minimize risks during festive gatherings on their property.

The Association & Board

If an injury is caused by a shared property feature, such as a dimly-lit holiday display that poses a trip hazard, slick leaves on a walkway, or icy entryway steps, the resulting claim usually targets the building itself, and the association's general liability policy will be called upon to defend the claim. Insurers will immediately scrutinize maintenance logs, weather monitoring protocols, and prior hazard reports to identify any gaps in upkeep. If such gaps are found, it represents a significant legal vulnerability for the building.

The Host Resident

Unit owners hosting holiday gatherings can easily be pulled into litigation. Common triggers include host-liquor liability if a guest is overserved and causes harm, or overcrowding issues that spill into common corridors. In these instances, the claim typically shifts to the resident’s personal HO-6 homeowners insurance policy.

The Property Management Firm

Even with zero direct involvement in the incident, community management companies are almost universally sued when someone is injured in a planned community’s common areas due to their apparent oversight of the premises. A manager’s protection from these claims hinges entirely on the strength of their management contract, making clear indemnification and defense clauses with the association absolute necessities.

Vendors & Contractors

From caterers and party rental suppliers to seasonal lighting installers and snow removal contractors, any third party involved in a seasonal event will likely be swept into the lawsuit. This is why having proper risk transfer protocols in place is so important. Without properly executed certificates of insurance, explicit additional insured endorsements, and primary/non-contributory wording, the vendor's liability will bounce right back to the association.

What Boards and Property Managers Can Do

Accidents can’t be completely eliminated of course, but exposure can be minimized with some forethought and preparation. As event season approaches:

Inspect & Document: Keep meticulous maintenance logs for your common areas, seasonal lighting installations, and walkway treatments.

Audit Your Coverage: Verify that your master policy limits—especially commercial umbrella policies—are adequate for high-volume indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Verify Vendor Compliance: Ensure every external vendor provides verified, compliant insurance coverage prior to stepping foot on the property.

In community association governance and management, being named in a holiday event lawsuit is rarely a surprise; failing to prepare for it is where the real damage occurs. However, with smart planning, conscientious maintenance, and prompt action to reduce or eliminate risks, your building or association will be ready to handle anything the festive season throws (or trips) your way.