To learn more about social host liability laws in Florida, reach out to one of our experienced and dedicated Panama City personal injury attorneys today. Our firm is on your side.

What are social host liability laws in Florida?

In Florida, social host laws exist to protect people from liability. In this instance, the hosts of a social gathering. For example, if a guest gets intoxicated and then falls and gets hurt, he or she does not have the right to sue the host for any damages.

To learn more about social host liability in Florida, it is in your best interest to reach out to our skilled Panama City personal injury attorneys today.

What are Florida’s dram shop laws?

Dram shop laws refer to situations in which people become intoxicated at a vendor’s establishment, for example, a bar or club, and cause an accident after leaving. Dram shop laws in Florida were created to protect those establishments from liability if one of their patrons causes an accident. Essentially, a vendor may be held liable if they provide alcohol to minors and alcohol vendors who intentionally serve alcohol to an alcoholic for immediate consumption.

Are there any exceptions to these laws?

There are some exceptions to the dram shop and social host laws. If a bar or club is selling alcohol to minors or if they knowingly sell alcohol to someone with a history of abuse, the establishment can be held partly responsible.

In the case of social host laws, suing is not possible if alcohol is the only cause of injury; however, if some other factor influenced the accident such as uneven flooring or dangerous conditions in the home, the injured may be able to file a premises liability claim against the host.

What damages can be recovered?

Dram shop claims are civil suits, which indicates liability is represented only in terms of money damages. Damages for losses suffered in a dram shop claim can include compensation for the following:

  • medical bills, including the costs of emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, medication, and rehabilitation
  • lost wages, including wages and benefits that might reasonably have been earned if the injuries had not caused disability
  • costs for damaged or destroyed property
  • pain and suffering

Contact our experienced Florida firm

Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.