The law holds social hosts responsible when their negligence leads to guest injuries. Whether you were hurt in a slip and fall, pool accident, drunk driving crash, or assault at a private party, you may be entitled to compensation from the host of the party. This is what’s known as social host liability.
The premises liability attorneys at Munley Law have been helping those injured by a negligent party guest for over 65 years. We understand the complexities these cases have. If you were injured due to a host’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call our social host liability lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
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What is Social Host Liability?
Social host liability is a legal concept that holds individuals responsible for any injuries or damages caused by one of their guests, especially if alcohol was involved. It is similar to dram shop liability, which holds commercial establishments responsible for any injuries caused by a patron or employee.
Some common types of social host liability include:
- A guest getting into a drunk driving car accident after drinking at your party
- Someone slips on a spilled drink at your house party and falls, breaking an ankle
- Two guests get into a fight at your event, causing severe injuries
- A drowning incident at your pool party
- Underage guests are injured after consuming alcohol
However, it’s important to note that the courts generally frown on social host liability claims against drunk drivers who are an adult. In addition, the courts have refused to impute liability to an organization or an adult which “should have known” alcohol was being served to a minor on the adult or organization’s property. You need to prove that not only the host knew the guest was a minor, but still served that minor alcohol despite knowing they were underage.
What’s the Difference Between Social Host Liability and Premises Liability?
Although these two legal concepts can overlap, there is a difference between the two:
Premises liability is the legal responsibility of all property and business owners to maintain safe conditions for visitors. For example, if you were visiting a friend at their apartment and then fell while going down a broken stairwell, you could sue the property owner for your injuries.
Social host liability is specific to hosts for the behavior of their guests. So if you were injured by the guest of a party, you have the opportunity to sue the host of the party.
In addition, social host liability can happen both on and off the host’s property, whereas premises liability means you can sue the property owner as long as the accident occurred on their property.
What Type of Damages Can You Get from a Social Host Liability Case?
If your case meets all the conditions for a host liability case, you need to know what legal rights you have. You are able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the minor as well as the host, and Munley Law can help. The damages you are able to recover financially include:
- medical expenses
- lost wages, if applicable
- property damage
- out of pocket expenses
- pain and suffering
Contact our Social Host Liability Lawyer Today
After any type of accident, it’s important to know your rights and to hold those responsible for you accident liable. If you were in a drunk driving accident with a minor, get the legal help that you need today. Contact a social host liability lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys now for a free consultation of your claim.
