At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro successfully represented plaintiffs in a significant social host liability case that highlights the dangers of underage drinking and the responsibilities of party hosts. This case underscores our commitment to securing justice for victims of negligence and ensuring that those who act irresponsibly are held accountable under New York law.
Our clients, a young couple, were violently assaulted outside their home by a group of underage teenagers. The teens had just attended a graduation party hosted by the parents of the primary assailant, where alcohol was knowingly provided and served to minors. As the evening progressed, the teenagers became intoxicated, leading to aggressive behavior that ultimately resulted in a physical altercation outside our clients’ residence.
The parents hosting the party failed to monitor the alcohol consumption of the underage guests, violating their duty of care. Under New York’s Social Host Liability laws, individuals who serve alcohol to minors can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages caused by the intoxicated individuals.
Our team conducted a meticulous investigation to uncover the facts surrounding the incident. Key elements of our strategy included:
Collecting evidence to prove that alcohol was knowingly made available to underage guests at the party.
Eyewitness testimonies from other party attendees and neighbors to establish the hosts’ negligence.
Leveraging New York’s social host laws to demonstrate how the defendants’ actions directly contributed to the assault.
Consulting with medical and psychological experts to document the physical and emotional injuries sustained by our clients.
Through strategic litigation, we built a compelling case that left no doubt regarding the hosts’ responsibility for the tragic events that unfolded. Our firm successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for our clients, providing them with the compensation they needed to cover medical expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the risks associated with underage drinking and the legal responsibilities of social hosts. By holding the negligent hosts accountable, we sent a clear message that the law does not tolerate reckless behavior that endangers others. It also highlights our firm’s unwavering dedication to protecting victims and pursuing justice.
Under New York law, social hosts can be held liable for injuries caused by intoxicated individuals if:
Alcohol was knowingly provided or served to minors.
The intoxicated minor’s actions resulted in harm to another party.
This case exemplifies how these laws are designed to prevent tragedies caused by underage drinking and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
Through diligent investigation and aggressive advocacy, we obtained a successful outcome for our clients, helping them rebuild their lives after a traumatic experience.