Social host liability refers to a person’s legal responsibility when providing alcohol to guests. This form of accountability can lead to both criminal and civil consequences for those who host parties and serve spirits. These rules vary significantly across states and are similar to dram shop laws, allowing a hurt party to sue the person who hosted an event.

While liquor providers are usually not held liable for injuries sustained by their guests due to recklessness, they can be accountable for wrongs caused to third parties. This includes situations where an individual, such as a pedestrian, another driver, or passengers in the inebriated guest’s vehicle, is injured.

If a drunk person harmed you and you want to hold the negligent parties accountable, you need to know your legal options. For a knowledgeable dram shop attorney with experience handling social host liability claims in Media, look no further than the Dan Doyle Law Group. Schedule a meeting with one of our legal professionals today.

Understanding Social Host Liability Lawsuits

A social host provides spirits at a private function to others and does not claim to be an establishment licensed to provide liquor. Pennsylvania’s code differs from other states in that people who throw private events will not be held responsible for damages caused by a drunk person so long as that individual is over the age of 21.

If someone provides alcohol to a minor, they can face criminal charges, which can include jail time. They will also be responsible for any harm the minor causes. This rule applies regardless of whether the person was visibly inebriated. A Media lawyer could help their client hold a social host liable for an intoxication-related injury by filing a claim.

Potential Compensation Under Local Social Host Liability Legislation

After winning a lawsuit for social host liability, an injured party may receive payment for various losses. These include economic and non-economic damages, such as:

  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Medical expenses (ambulance, surgeries, etc.)
  • Rehabilitation
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Loss of consortium

The amount of money awarded will depend on the specifics of the case, including the severity of the injuries and the circumstances of the incident. In addition to civil lawsuits, injured parties could press criminal charges against the alcohol provider if they served drinks to an underage person.

Wrongful Death Cases

For Media social host liability claims involving a fatality, the decedent’s loved ones can file a wrongful death claim. Upon doing so, the family could receive payment to cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided.

Reach Out to a Media Attorney About a Social Host Liability Case Today

If you have been affected by a social host’s negligence, it is crucial to seek justice. Incidents involving intoxicated visitors can result in serious, life-altering consequences. As a result, you could be facing a tremendous amount of stress, physical and emotional trauma, and medical bills.

A reliable lawyer with a track record of winning social host liability claims in Media could help you seek financial compensation and protect your rights. Dan Doyle Law Group’s team of dedicated legal advocates could fight for you. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our ambitious personal injury attorneys.