For teenagers, parties are a key way to build social skills, build life-long memories, and cement friendships. Whether it’s graduation parties, after-prom festivities, or just weekend festivities, these parties tend to happen at teens’ parents’ homes. So what happens when a teen is injured or killed at a party?
If you’re a parent facing this heartbreaking situation, get the facts before you make any decisions. Flaxman Law Group is a family-focused, boutique law firm and we’re fluent in both English and Spanish. Most of all, we’re fluent in compassion. Contact us today to discuss the laws that could help you seek protection for your family.
What Are Common Party Injuries?
Teen parties can and do result in life-changing and even fatal injuries, including:
- Alcohol-related injuries. Underage drinking can lead to poor decision-making, trip and fall accidents, falls from heights, and even car accidents. Teens who drink may wander into traffic, too, or may get lost when trying to get home.
- Car accidents. Teens who are tired, distracted, or drunk after a party can get into terrible car crashes. What makes these even more tragic is that usually these collisions involve multiple teen passengers as well as the driver.
- Pool injuries. Drownings and head and spinal cord injuries caused by diving boards are common when there are lots of teens, no supervision, and drinking or drug use.
- Slip and fall injuries. During teen parties, drinks and items can get spilled. Lights can be turned down, too, all of which can lead to falls. In turn, slip and fall incidents can lead to sprains, fractures, spinal cord and head injuries, and other types of injuries.
- Property damage. A big party without proper supervision can lead to significant property damage, including broken items and damage to the walls, windows, doors, and other structures of the property.
- Assault. When drinking is involved, especially, fights can break out at some parties and teens have reported drugging and sexual assaults, too.
Can I Sue?
It depends. These cases tend to be quite complex, especially because witnesses usually have very different explanations of what happened.
In addition, Florida has social host laws. These laws protect property owners from liability in situations where they host a social gathering. For example, when someone has a party and a guest gets intoxicated and falls down, the host is protected from civil action.
There are some exceptions. For example, if your teen is injured not because of alcohol but because of a poorly-secured pool area or a loose railing on a balcony or another dangerous condition of the property, you may have a claim.
Since these cases are emotional and complex, you may wish to speak to a Hollywood personal injury attorney if your child is harmed. A lawyer can explain the law and how it may affect you. An attorney can also explain whether you have a claim and may be able to represent you in your claim.
The good news is that it costs nothing to speak to a Hollywood personal injury attorney at Flaxman Law Group. We’re a boutique, family-based law firm and we’re dedicated to helping families. If you or your child have been injured, contact us for a free consultation with an injury lawyer. We can address your questions and review your situation with you so you understand what you can do next.