To learn more about New Jersey’s social host liability laws, reach out to our skilled Monmouth County personal injury attorneys today. Our legal team is equipped with the knowledge and experience required to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to heal. Contact the Wilton Law Firm today.
What are New Jersey’s social host liability laws?
The state of New Jersey has social host liability laws that allow an injured person to pursue damages from any social host who provided alcohol to an intoxicated person of lawful drinking age at a party or similar event when that guest goes on to cause an alcohol-related accident. In order to bring a successful claim, the injured party generally must prove:
- the person who caused the injuries was visibly intoxicated in the presence of the host, or
- the situations created an “unreasonable risk” of harm to life or property, and
- the injury resulted from a motor vehicle accident caused by the intoxicated person who was served by the social host.
Additionally, if a social host negligently serves a minor who then causes harm to another, the injured party could have a possible claim against the social host for negligence.
Can I receive financial compensation for my injuries?
Liability in dram shop and social host cases is defined exclusively in terms of money damages, paid by the defendant or the defendant’s insurer to the injured individual. The most common kinds of damages in these circumstances include the following:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Bills for rehabilitation or therapy
- Lost wages
- The value of household services and childcare the injured person would otherwise have performed
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
It is also essential to acknowledge that the state of New Jersey also lets those hurt in dram shop and social host liability claims seek punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are planned to punish particularly bad cases of wrongdoing, including gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional bad behavior.
Most New Jersey dram shop claims should be filed within two years of the date of injury in order to be attended to in court. Regardless, the facts of every case are diverse, which is why you should reach out to our firm to speak with an experienced Monmouth County personal injury attorney as soon as you are able to after suffering an injury to make sure that your rights are protected.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
