Your Child Was Hurt at a Graduation Party. Here's What Connecticut Law Says About Who's Responsible.
No parent should have to get that phone call.
The one where someone tells you your child was in an accident or is in the emergency room after going to a party where kids are drinking. The call that has you rushing out the door before you've even processed what happened.
In the days that follow, that immediate gut punch turns into so many other emotions: worry about recovery, planning for care, concern about costs, even anger about the whole situation. Many parents start asking a question they feel almost guilty for asking: is anyone responsible for this?
In Connecticut, the answer is often yes.
What Connecticut Law Says About Who Can Be Held Responsible
It is well settled law in Connecticut that if an adult gives alcohol to a minor or allows a minor to drink on their property, the adult can share liability for any harm caused by the minor. In Ely v. Murphy, 207 Conn. 88 (1988), the Connecticut Supreme Court held that a social host could be liable for the injuries caused by a minor that was served alcohol at a high school graduation party. The Court recognized that minors do not have the judgement to handle alcohol responsibly and that the adults who allow its consumption on their property cannot simply walk away from the consequences.
In the decades after Ely more and more parents have secured just compensation for children who are injured like this, making sure their children have what they need for the best possible recovery after their injuries. If your child was hurt in a car accident, a fall, or in any other incident connected to drinking that happened at a graduation party or similar event, the host of that party may have legal responsibility for their injuries.
The Criminal Statutes Strengthen Your Civil Case
Connecticut has statutes that criminalize both selling/providing alcohol to a minor and allowing minors to possess alcohol. CGS § 30-86 and CGS § 30-89a not only give police the basis to investigate, but they can support civil claims as well.
What Your Family May Be Entitled to Recover
If your child was injured because of someone else's decision to permit underage drinking, Connecticut law allows you to seek compensation for:
Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
Lost earnings/future earning capacity: if your child's injuries affect their ability to work or pursue their intended career or educational path
Pain and suffering: the physical and emotional toll of the injury and recovery
Permanent injury or disability: if the harm your child suffered is lasting
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence in these cases disappears fast. Witnesses leave for college, social media accounts change, text messages get deleted, security camera footage gets overwritten. The physical evidence from the scene may be gone within days.
There is also a legal time limit. Connecticut personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury. Missing that window can mean losing your right to bring a claim entirely, regardless of how strong the facts are.
A good lawyer can help to preserve evidence, identify witnesses and responsible parties, talk to insurance adjusters, and manage the details of your claims to build a strong foundation. The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner you can return your focus on what is important – your family and your child.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
We understand that reaching out to a lawyer in the aftermath of your child's injury may feel like one more overwhelming thing to do. It is not. A free consultation with our team at Guendelsberger Law Offices costs you nothing, commits you to nothing, and gives you a clear picture of where you stand. And as always with personal injury cases, clients pay nothing unless we recover for you.
When you call our office, a real person answers. Everything you share with us is confidential from the very first conversation. We have served families in New Milford and across Litchfield County for more than 40 years, and we are here when you need us.
If your child was hurt at a graduation party or similar event involving underage drinking, contact us at www.newmilfordlegal.com to schedule your free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, contact Guendelsberger Law Offices for a free consultation.
