A warning for those who allow underage drinking parties, the Court of Appeals has ruled in the matter of Manal Kariakos v. Brandon Phillips and Nancy Dankos et al v. Linda Stapf, Nos. 20 and 55, September Term 2015, that an adult who hosts an underage drinking party can be held civilly liable for the death or injuries sustained by an intoxicated guest who is under the legal drinking age of 21. The Court based its decision on a law that went into effect on October 1, 2016, which permits adults to be jailed for up to one year for knowingly and willfully providing alcohol to or hosting drinking parties attended by those under 21 who become impaired and seriously injure themselves or others after leaving the party. Hopefully, those adults who allowed or “overlooked” underage drinking in the past will now think twice. Do you want to live with the consequences knowing your allowances killed or seriously injured another person? That is a big price to pay just to be the “cool parents.”
What should I do if I am a parent who’s underage child was injured at one of these parties?
If you are a parent that has a child who was injured or killed at a party because of underage drinking, you should contact an attorney. If your child is injured, you may be able to take legal action to compensate you for the medical expenses endured by the accident, the pain and suffering your child has been subject to, and more. If your child died as a result of their drinking or the actions of another underage drinker, you may be able to file a wrongful death case against that party, but that matter is quite complicated. Speak to an experienced attorney to discuss your case.
Contact our firm
At Markey & Orsi, our attorneys are experienced in representing victims who have been seriously injured or killed by the negligence of parents who allow alcohol at a party with children under the age of 21. If you or a family member have been harmed in this scenario, call our office for a free initial consultation.
