Wisconsin’s social host law states that the people who host house parties are generally not liable for accidents caused by their guests, even after providing alcohol for those guests to drink. However, certain exceptions to Wisconsin’s social host liability statute may allow victims of avoidable accidents to sue if a guest hurt them.
If you’ve recently fallen victim to an accident with an intoxicated driver, and you think the host of a house party they came from may have may have pressured them to consume alcohol, misrepresented the alcoholic nature of household beverages, or served alcohol to someone underage, then you can work with our Milwaukee DUI accident lawyers to take legal action.
To answer questions like, “What is the social host law in Wisconsin?” make One Call…That’s All!
Breaking Down Wisconsin’s Social Host Laws
Wisconsin’s social host laws also apply to dram shops. Our Milwaukee car accident lawyers know that Wis. Stat. § 125.035 allows social hosts to waive liability for their guests, even if those hosts serve alcohol at a get-together. In other words, all guests are responsible for monitoring their own alcohol consumption.
However, there are some exceptions that may allow people injured in accidents with intoxicated party guests to hold a host accountable for their losses. If a social host forces a person to drink, doesn’t admit that a drink contains alcohol, or allows a minor to drink alcohol on their property, they may assume liability for any accidents that those guests cause.
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Legal Consequences for Serving Alcohol to Minors
People accused of serving alcohol to minors, even in the comfort of their own homes, may face significant fines if they’re caught doing so. However, the Milwaukee personal injury lawyers on our team don’t pursue criminal charges against social hosts. We make it easier for accident victims to hold social hosts financially liable for losses caused by their negligence.
Say, for example, that John Doe invites his family over, including his 16-year-old nephew, James. John Doe spots James drinking alcohol at the party and does not make an attempt to stop him, not from drinking, nor when James gets behind the wheel of his car to drive home. In the middle of his drive, James gets into an accident.
Because, in this hypothetical, John Doe did not stop his nephew from drinking or getting behind the wheel of his car, the victims of James’ accident can hold John Doe partially liable for that crash. John Doe may have to pay the victims damages based on their economic and non-economic losses.
When Can a DUI Accident Lawyer in Milwaukee Take Your Case?
If you get into an accident with an intoxicated person and you believe that the host of the party they came from may be partially liable for your losses, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against that host in addition to the drunk driver. Our Milwaukee DUI accident lawyers can collaborate with you to gather the necessary evidence.
It’s important, when pursuing a DUI accident lawsuit, to finalize and submit your paperwork before Wisconsin’s personal injury statute of limitations (Wis. Stat. § 893.54(1m)) comes knocking. This code only allows you to take three years to establish your argument for compensation.
You cannot miss this deadline, or else the courts can waive your right to social host compensation. As such, we encourage you to contact an experienced lawyer shortly after your accident. The sooner you schedule a free case consultation with our team, the easier it will be to file your claim within its set deadline.
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What Damages Can You Request When You File a DUI Accident Lawsuit?
DUI accident lawsuits are designed to ensure that you can get financial support in the wake of an otherwise avoidable accident. That support should help you pay for your essential medical care and the restoration of your lost property.
When invoking social host laws in Wisconsin, you can also ask for damages that account for your:
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits, if you’re unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress
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Our Milwaukee DUI Accident Lawyers Work on Contingency
There aren’t any financial barriers standing between you and a DUI accident lawsuit. You can connect with our experienced attorneys for free in the wake of an accident to discuss how you might hold social hosts and other parties accountable for your losses.
If you decide to collaborate with our Milwaukee, WI, DUI accident lawyers, our office won’t charge you a dime for our services until we win your case.
We do not ask for deposits or retainers, and we won’t send you bills for our services while your case is in progress.
You Can Hold Negligent Hosts Liable for Your Recent Losses
Have you recently been involved in an accident with a drunk driver? Do you think that you may have the right to sue that party in addition to the social host who offered them alcohol? If so, you can work with an experienced DUI accident lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, to build a case for the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team can break down your right to legal action and determine whether or not you have the right to name multiple parties liable for your losses under the exceptions to Wisconsin’s social host laws.
Let Gruber Law Offices help you recover after being hit by a drunk driver. Make One Call…That’s All!
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
