Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Civil suit pertaining to Social host neglegince

My parents own a 2 family house and while they live on the 2nd floor, they have tenants who live on the first floor. One night the tenants had been drinking down stairs and one of the tenents' guests was injured, off my parents property, as a result of being intoxicated. My parents may be getting sued for social host negligence and I was wondering what kind of liability my parents may have?


Asked on 7/24/00, 1:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Cobb Charles Cobb, Attorney At Law

Re: Civil suit pertaining to Social host neglegince

I expect your parents have insurance. One real benefit of coverage is that you get a defense paid for by the insurer. If a cliam comes it just turn it over and the insurer will defend and/or pay depending on how the facts develop.

If your parents do not have insurance and they get sued, they will have to pay a lawyer to defend them probably on an hourly basis. The out of pocket cost of defense should be considered against any possible settlement and release.

Finally for your parents to be responsible, someone would have to find them resposible. Anyone can sue for anything. The hurt person can claim your parents are responsible - can they proove it with facts in evidence?

Best wishes

Charles W. Cobb

(617) 964-7000

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Answered on 9/12/00, 2:45 pm


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