Victim Sues Party Host for Drunk Driving Accident

Victim Sues Party Host for Drunk Driving Accident


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Debbie Dujanovic Reporting Who should pay when a drunk driver causes a tragic accident? Just the driver? Or the people who threw the party too?

Victim Sues Party Host for Drunk Driving Accident

A Summit County judge took that question under advisement today. At issue is a party during last year's Sundance Film Festival.

A company called Dilecta held the private gathering in Park City. Attorneys say Matt Nielson left that party drunk and hit a woman who was walking home from her job at 7-11.

Nielson is serving prison time for the accident that left Ana Bussman a quadraplegic.

Darren Nelson, Bussman's Attorney: "He became intoxicated at this party where he had nine to ten drinks within an hour's period, and then drive, then drives home."

Now the victim wants the company that threw the party to pay out $1.5 million. Dilecta's attorney argues it was a private function and under Utah law they're not liable.

The judge is expected to rule this week if the case can go to trial.

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