Maryland  |  DUI Law

Re: Grand Pop liable for Grandkids party at his house?

Anybody can sue anybody.

But, given the facts you've presented, the grandparents are probably not liable.

Regards,

Tom McCarthy, Sr.

Re: Grand Pop liable for Grandkids party at his house?

Although I have not searched to confirm the exact holding of the case, I

recall a Maryland Court of Appeals case that held that the dipositive issue

was one of knowledge. Where there was no knowledge on the part of the property

owner of the event(s), then no vicarious liability (i.e., liability that arises because

of the act of another which is imputed to one who had a basis to control or avert the injury).

However, "having knowledge" is a touchy issue in the law. I don't recall whether the case

addressed a "reasonable person" standard or actual knowledge. I'd postulate that actual knowledge must

be proven.

In any event, we live in a society where lawsuits abound and it is best to take prudent action to

twart the presence of liability. I'd suggest you consider some way to minimize your exposure to risk and this is

where you need to talk to an attorney.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing, absolutely nothing, in this communication is legal advice; nor should it be considered so. The issues

presented in the question relate to numerous areas of potentially devasting legal liability and it is crucially important that you

seek immediate legal advice in the event that a situation has occurred or in the event that you plan to continue having the subject parties.

NO LEGAL ADVICE HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THIS RESPONSE.