In Connecticut, as in all states, drunk driving poses a potentially huge risk to other drivers on the road. It has been argued that instances of teenage drunk driving have been increasing each year. Teenagers by default have less experience driving and therefore are already at a disadvantage when it comes to reacting to certain situations on the road. Add alcohol to the mix and some would argue that the combination could be lethal. One man who stands accused of providing alcohol to underage teens may now also be facing a wrongful death suit from the victim’s family.
On the night the tragedy occurred, there were reportedly dozens of underage youths drinking in his home. While he supposedly had a rule in place that if the teens were going to drink they had to spend the night, something apparently went awry, since at least two teens left the party. The teen who was driving crashed, ejecting and killing the other teen in the vehicle. It was not immediately clear if the other teen was injured in the accident.
According to several teens, the parties took place almost every weekend, especially during the summer. In addition, the teens in attendance claimed they had access to more than just alcohol. Marijuana was among the other available substances mentioned.
The father of three has been charged with 28 counts of reckless endangerment, one for each of the teens in attendance the night of the tragedy. He was also charged with providing minors with alcohol. Though the man’s record showed no previous arrests, according to police records, he was warned about providing alcohol to minors back in 2012 when another accident had occurred after one such party.
All victims who are hurt because of someone’s negligent actions may be entitled to compensation. Understanding how Connecticut law is designed to protect victims in these kinds of accidents will help the girl’s surviving family members. They may be entitled to file a wrongful death suit against the man whose actions appear to have directly caused the girl’s death. Any restitution can help the family cover expenses that resulted from the tragedy, such as final expenses and burial costs. Financial compensation may not fill the void left by their loved one’s passing, but it can help ease the stress of the situation.
Source: NBC Connecticut, New Details on Father Accused of Holding Underage Drinking Parties, Ilana Gold, Dec. 13, 2013
