Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

I am in a Fraternity and am under 21. Next year I will be living with other fraternity brothers off campus who are over 21. If we have mixers with sororities at our house (chapter sponsored) and make the party byob, have a guest list, and use sober monitors. Can i be held liable for any damage that comes to a guest?


Asked on 6/21/12, 4:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Dougherty John L Dougherty

Hi,

Fraternity advisor for 5 years here on top of the lawyer gig.

The short answer is yes, as "owner" or in this case renter of the property you are responsible for what happens on and in your property. Now, if you are running a strict byo system, you certainly lessen your social host liability but ultimately you, and your chapter if it's shown that it was chapter sponsored can always be brought in for things that occur at the event.

It's never a bad idea to have renters insurance with an added personal liability coverage for accidents that happen at your rented property, and to protect your stuff. Talk with an insurance agent, you can likely get a policy for less than 15 bucks a month. Make sure to read and understand what is and is not covered by that.

If you want to chat more offline, let me know. [email protected]

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Answered on 6/21/12, 9:02 pm


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