The plaintiff in this case was a 16-year-old male at the time he attended a party where alcohol was consumed by minors. The minor plaintiff sustained a brain injury after he struck his head on the floor during a wrestling match at the party. The defendants in the case included the property owners and their 21- year-old daughter who was hosting a birthday party for herself. After he struck his head, the 16 year old male was not taken for medical treatment despite signs of a head injury and he suffered permanent brain injury as a result. Source: November 2010 National Jury Verdict Reporter
All too often, adults host parties for their minor children where alcohol and even drugs are consumed by the minor children with the knowledge or tacit consent of the adult hosts. If the minor children injure themselves or others at the party or even after they have left the party and evidence shows that it is related to the alcohol or drugs consumed, the adult hosts will be held liable in a civil and, more importantly, in a criminal court. Consequences of these parties can include large verdicts and significant jail time. A very high price to pay for your child’s happiness.