If someone is drinking alcohol at your house. they leave and get into an accident and either hurt themselves or someone else is your Homeowner's insurance liable or you personally for damages. Can you be sued personally for their accident?
2006-12-28 06:15:47 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Keep this in mind... You can be sued, in civil court, for practically anything. Just how far the case goes is the matter in question.
In your particular case, I'm sure the laws and precedents set in your state and municipality would have strong bearing. But you could always be the one to set the precedent.
I remember watching a 60 minutes episode years back where some scumbag lawyer literally destroyed a family, for no other reason than animosity, by suing them relentlessly. Most, if not all, the cases were dismissed, but he still bankrupted them by forcing them to defend themselves.
Personally, I feel personal responsibility should prevail - but that's not always the case. Maybe you could have party guests return signed waivers along with their RSVPs (that's a joke - a sad one - but that's the world the bloodsuckers have built for us).
2006-12-28 06:31:51 · answer #1 · answered by Just Some Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
laws on this matter vary state to state. this is a hard case to prove though. the state would have to prove intent or negligence on home owner's behalf and homeowner would have to prove otherwise. insurance would not be liable; although, some ins. companies may cover a lawsuit, if only to protect themselves. in any case, do your best to keep drunk drivers off the road; even if that means putting up with a drunk for the night. also, drinking establishments are liable most of the time, because they are a profitable business and have a responsibility to keep their patrons safe. same as any business. in this regard, your answer is yes, you can be sued. as long as you, or said host, showed responsibility and maturity the chances of anything coming of lawsuit, other than inconvenience, is minimal.
2006-12-28 06:38:44 · answer #2 · answered by barbsmonsta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you supplied the person alcohol, you can be sued. Especially if you let them drive away drunk. If you have a homeowners policy they will generally go after that.
Even if the person gets in an accident and is the only one who gets hurt, they can sue you anyway. Stupid, huh?
2006-12-28 06:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you were aware of the amount they were drinking and made no effort to stop them from driving then Yes. You can be personally sued. It happens to bars and night clubs all the time. Check with your home owners ins. to see if that is covered or not. Good luck
2006-12-28 06:23:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can be sued. Your home owner's policy may or may not help you. But everybody should be aware that if they are going to serve alcoholic beverages they assume a tremendous amount of liability in the process. You should arrange overnight accommodations or rides for inebriated guests.
2006-12-28 06:25:04 · answer #5 · answered by PRS 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the person is under 21, then you can be sued. This is because, you are responsible for that person's actions. If that person is over 21, than it is not your problem. This is because that person is responsible for his/her own actions.
2006-12-28 06:28:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be held responsible, as it is presumed that you knowingly served an intoxicated person, and then allowed him to drive. I don't know if your homeowners would cover you, or if they would claim that you were neglegent, as a host.
2006-12-28 06:22:35 · answer #7 · answered by Beau R 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe so, but I think if the person is under 21. But if something like that you think is going to happen get a lawyer. He will explain everything to you.
2006-12-28 06:24:40 · answer #8 · answered by laney 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe so. Dont know about the homeowners insurance thing. I do know that you can be charged with manslaughter or even murder.
2006-12-28 06:18:25 · answer #9 · answered by vanman8u 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think only a minor. What a person does after leaving your property is their own responsibility. You are not your brothers keeper.
2006-12-28 06:21:52 · answer #10 · answered by Chuck C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋