Overview

A receptionist suffered a severe brain injury after leaving an office Christmas party where alcohol had been served and losing control of her vehicle during a winter storm. She brought a claim against her employer, alleging it had failed to take reasonable care for her safety. Following a lengthy trial and a Court of Appeal decision ordering a new trial, the case was resolved through a confidential settlement.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement: Confidential
  • Accident type: Single-vehicle motor vehicle collision following an office Christmas party
  • Primary injury: Severe brain injury
  • Additional injuries: None specified
  • Resolution method: Confidential settlement following a trial and Court of Appeal decision ordering a new trial
  • Notable legal issues: Employer liability for employee safety after serving alcohol at a workplace event
  • Medical treatment: Not specified
  • Long-term impact: Unable to work for the remainder of her life

The Case

Our client worked as a receptionist for an employer that hosted a Christmas party where alcohol was served. She became intoxicated during the event. Despite a winter storm being underway, the employer allowed her to leave the party and drive home alone.

While driving home, our client lost control of her vehicle and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The crash caused a severe brain injury that left her permanently unable to work.

Because the law imposes obligations on employers to take reasonable care for the safety of their employees, legal proceedings were commenced against the employer. Following a lengthy trial, the court awarded substantial damages to our client.

The Court of Appeal later ordered a new trial. Before that new trial took place, the parties reached a confidential settlement. The publicity surrounding the case changed the way many employers conduct workplace social events.

Why It Matters

This case highlights the legal issues that can arise when alcohol is served at employer-sponsored events and an employee is injured after leaving the function.

It also demonstrates how litigation involving employer responsibility can influence workplace practices beyond the individual case, particularly in relation to office social events where alcohol is provided.