If there was a party at my apartment and there was a fight outside in which someone was hurt, am I liable for their medical expenses?
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If there was a party at my apartment and there was a fight outside in which someone was hurt, am I liable for their medical expenses?
There was basically a fight outside my apartment and someone was injured and had surgery. Now they are trying to sue me and my roommates. None of us hurt him or were involved. I’ve heard stories that the person who got hurt started the fight. I am not on the lease.
Asked on November 19, 2011 under Personal Injury, Illinois
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you are not on the lease, you will probably be dismissed from the case. As to the true roommates, if the activities they had at the party or the alcohol served at the party caused this fight to occur, you may be liable but again, it will depend on the facts of the case and your state's laws on the duties you owe your guests. Was he an invited guest or did he crash the party or attend with someone who was invited? Did he initiate the fight (the physical altercation)? If he did, then really he has no business suing anyone.
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