My Child Was Injured After Drinking at Someone’s House. What’s Next?

 Posted on March 30, 2019 in Premises Liability

Here in the United States, underage drinking continues to be a serious safety threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 percent of high school students admit to consuming alcohol. Every year, more than 4,300 teens die due to alcohol consumption. 

If your child was consuming alcohol at another person’s residence, the adults present are in direct violation of social host liability laws. Perhaps nothing can hurt a parent more than finding out that their child has been injured or killed in an alcohol-related accident. 

Common Risks of Underage Drinking 

In the state of Illinois, enforcement of social host liability law began in 2004. Through the passing of the Drug or Alcohol Impaired Minor Responsibility Act (740 ILCS 58/1), responsibility for injuries to minors can be placed on adults, if the child consumes alcohol at their home. Listed below are some of the dangers associated with underage alcohol consumption: 

Drinking and Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol can be incredibly dangerous, especially for young and inexperienced drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children who begin drinking at a young age are seven times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related car accident. 

Alcohol Poisoning

When teenage children decide to drink alcohol, many times they binge drink. Binge drinking can be a very dangerous way to consume alcohol and can result in alcohol poisoning. This can impact a person’s breathing, heart rate, and body temperature. Alcohol poisoning can result in coma or even death. 

Other Alcohol Risks

While alcohol poisoning and drunk driving are the most notable impacts of underage drinking, there are a number of other potential risks. Scientific studies have found that underage drinking can impact a young person’s brain development. Underage drinking can also lead to unprotected sexual activity.

Contact a Waukegan Personal Injury Lawyer 

When a parent hears the devastating news that their child has been injured, it is common to feel helpless. As you focus on helping your child heal, a quality attorney can help secure the injury compensation your family deserves. When violating social host liability laws, the negligent party should be held responsible. At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., we firmly believe that no family should be financially impacted by the negligent actions of another party. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, contact us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm

https://www.madd.org/statistics/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2493&ChapterID=57