Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland

Host Liability

Does a social host have any legal liability if his guests drives recklessly into or out of the host's neighborhood, and someone gets injured as a result. If this behavior had been wide spread and the host had previously been warned about the behaviour, does it create any legal liability?


Asked on 9/25/07, 3:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Host Liability

The host cannot be held responsible for the actions of his guests under the facts you present. There are some states that hold a host responsible if he allows guests who are obviously under the influence of alcohol to continue to imbibe and then to operate a vehicle which results in an accident, but such cases are rare.

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Answered on 9/25/07, 3:57 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Host Liability

Mr. Sher is exactly right. A host has no obligation to control the behavior of his guest outside his home, and no power to do so. If liquour or drugs is involved, and can be proven, it can be a different situation if the host provided alcohol or drugs to an apparently intoxicated person and then let him or her leave in a vehicle.

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Answered on 9/25/07, 4:14 pm


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