Louisiana Dram Shop Laws and Social Host Liability for Alcohol-Related Accidents

When an intoxicated person injures someone else in Louisiana, can a third party be liable for providing the alcohol?

By , Attorney
Get the compensation you deserve. We've helped 285 clients find attorneys today.

There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

Generally, anyone who's injured by an intoxicated person can file a personal injury lawsuit against that person. However, in some circumstances, an injured party might also be able to seek damages from the person or business that supplied the intoxicated person with alcohol. These third-party liability laws are sometimes called "dram shop" and "social host liability" laws.

Here are the basics on how third-party liability works for an alcohol-related accident in Louisiana.

Louisiana's Anti-Dram Shop Law

Louisiana has an anti-dram shop law that prohibits third-party liability claims against licensed alcohol vendors in most circumstances. Basically, the law says an alcohol vendor can't be held liable for the damages caused off the premises by an intoxicated patron where the patron was of the lawful drinking age. However, if these conditions aren't met—for example, if the patron was underage or the injuries occurred on the premises—the liability shield doesn't apply.

Social Host Liability in Louisiana

Louisiana also has an anti-social host liability law that is nearly identical to the anti-dram shop law. The only difference is the law applies to non-vendors, people that aren't licensed to sell alcohol. So, a social host can't be held liable for the damages caused off the premises by an intoxicated guest where the guest was of the lawful drinking age.

Damages and Time Limits in Louisiana Personal Injury Cases

Personal injury damages are intended to compensate an injured person for all losses that resulting from an accident, including:

  • medical bills
  • lost wages and other lost income
  • future costs for ongoing medical care or lost capacity to work due to disability
  • value of damaged or destroyed property, and
  • pain and suffering.

Injury-related lawsuits in Louisiana must be filed within one year of the date of injury under the state's statute of limitations. But, given that every case is different, you should always consult an attorney as soon as possible after suffering an injury to ensure your rights are protected.

Make the Most of Your Claim
Get the compensation you deserve.
We've helped 285 clients find attorneys today.
There was a problem with the submission. Please refresh the page and try again
Full Name is required
Email is required
Please add a valid Email
Phone Number is required
Please add a valid Phone Number
Zip Code is required
Please add a valid Zip Code
Description is required
By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

How It Works

  1. Briefly tell us about your case
  2. Provide your contact information
  3. Choose attorneys to contact you