If a person becomes drunk in your home and later causes an accident, what could you potentially face?

If a person becomes drunk in your home and subsequently causes an accident, you could potentially face a lawsuit. This stems from the concept of social host liability, which is a legal principle that holds individuals responsible if they provide alcohol to guests who subsequently cause harm to others while under the influence. If the intoxicated individual injures someone or causes property damage in an accident, affected parties may seek compensation, leading to a lawsuit against the host for contributing to the situation.

The likelihood of facing other repercussions such as fines or criminal charges can vary based on state laws, but the principal concern in many jurisdictions revolves around the liability of the host and potential civil litigation. Understanding this concept is critical for any social host, as it emphasizes the responsibility that comes with serving alcohol in a home setting.