Have you or your underage child been injured after being served alcohol by a social host? The aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when you are trying to understand who may be responsible and what legal options may be available. As Bellingham personal injury attorneys with decades of experience, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions about social host liability in Washington State to help guide you through this difficult time. From understanding how social host liability works to learning more about the legal process, our goal is to provide helpful information so you can make informed decisions about your family’s next steps.
RCW 66.44.270 states that it is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise supply liquor to any person under the age of 21 or permit an underage person to consume liquor on premises under that person’s control.
Providing alcohol to an underage person can result in criminal penalties, including fines and possible jail time, depending on the circumstances. A social host may also owe a duty of reasonable care to a minor who consumes alcohol supplied by the host and may potentially face civil liability if the minor is injured as a result. Washington law can be complex, and the specific facts of an incident can affect whether a person may be held legally responsible.
It is important to note that liability may differ when a minor brings or obtains alcohol independently rather than receiving it from the host. However, allowing underage drinking at a home or party can still create serious risks for everyone involved.
A social host liability claim may arise when a private individual unlawfully provides alcohol to an underage person and the minor is injured as a result. Whether a claim is a viable option depends on the specific circumstances, including who provided the alcohol and how the injury occurred. Washington law generally treats claims involving social hosts differently from claims involving commercial alcohol vendors, such as bars or restaurants.
Whether a parent may be held responsible depends on the specific circumstances. Factors may include whether the parents knew about the party, provided alcohol, allowed alcohol to be available to underage guests, or otherwise contributed to the situation. If your child was injured or suffered property damage in connection with underage drinking at a house party, speaking with a social host liability lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, an injured person may seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The damages available in a particular case depend on the nature and extent of the injuries and other relevant facts.
Like other civil personal injury claims, a social host liability claim must generally be filed before the deadline established by Washington State’s statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases in Washington State, the deadline is three years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney as soon as possible.
We look forward to answering all of your questions and speaking with you about your legal needs. When you call our office or send us a message through our consultation request form, we will provide a FREE initial consultation and case evaluation. Our attorneys offer home and hospital visits, with evening and weekend appointments available.
What is social host liability law?
Social host liability refers to the potential legal responsibility of a private individual who provides alcohol in a noncommercial setting, such as a home or private party. In Washington, the law prohibits a person from selling, giving, or otherwise supplying alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or permitting an underage person to consume alcohol on premises under that person’s control in certain circumstances.