Introduction
In Florida, the concern of serving alcohol to minors is an area of law that can have damaging implications on both a personal and business level. Having a grasp on the nuances of liability in these scenarios is important for legal practitioners, particularly when dealing with clients’ matters in controversy is much intricate. As a medical records Review Company servicing attorneys throughout the US, we know the imperative role proper documentation plays in personal injury and liability cases. In this article, we will discuss the legal liabilities associated with serving alcohol to minors in Florida, the possible outcomes, and what assistance we provide to attorneys so they can better serve their clients in these cases.
Legal Framework Surrounding Alcohol Service to Minors
Florida Statutes on Serving Alcohol to Minors
Overview
Florida statutes make it clear that no person under the age of twenty-one shall be served alcohol by any seller including those that work in restaurants or bars. This includes private individuals that may serve alcohol at parties where they are guests.
Key Points
• Consequences of Offenders: Any institution or person found serving alcohol to minors is liable to be fined, have their license suspended, and even prosecuted.
• Social Host Liability: Persons hosting parties where under-aged children are provided with alcohol may also be responsible for any injuries, losses, or damages.
Responsibilities of Business Owners and Employees
Overview
All establishments serving alcohol have a burden of proof to confirm the age of their customers. This includes checking ID cards and not serving those who do not have valid proof of age documentation.
Key Points
• Training Requirements: A number of businesses in Florida are required to train their employees on responsible service of alcohol and the consequences of serving a minor.
• Liability for Negligence: A business who does not make reasonable efforts to ensure that minors are not served alcohol risks being liable for all accidents or any resultant injuries sustained from doing so.
The role medical records review plays in legal cases
We serve as a medical records review company and aid attorneys dealing with cases in serving underage children with alcohol by equipping them with pertinent legal medical documents. With my services, legal specialists can rely on accurate and complete medical records to formulate the best strategy to win the case.
Services Offered:
• Thorough Medical Records Analysis: We review and summarize medical records, and extract all materials pertinent to injuries resulting from alcohol related incidents.
• Identification of Key Evidence: Our team pinpoints relevant facts which could support a claim, such as chronology of treatments or expert evidence.
• Expert Testimony Preparation: We provide medical record analysis to help attorneys prepare for their depositions and examination in chief.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Minor Served Alcohol at a Party
Overview of the Case: One teenage boy got injured in a motor vehicle accident after drinking alcohol at a party where the host served drinks.
Challenges: The defense placed blame on the child, which made the other side’s case much more difficult.
Solutions: I analyzed a number of medical records, and set out to gather corroborating party evidence including witness testimony supporting the fact that the host did serve alcohol at the party.
Case Study 2: Bar Serving Alcohol to Minors
Overview of the Case: A bar was sued when a minor they served alcohol to got into a car accident and injured another driver.
Challenges: The bar defended poorly stating that they checked the ID of the minor and the evidence was contrary to that.
Solutions: I provided further extensive medical records analysis for the injured driver and established the injury in relationship to the accident caused by the minor under the influence.
Conclusion
Grasping the nuances pertaining to the serving of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 in Florida is important for legal professionals dealing with matters of liability. Through the use of medical records review services, lawyers are able to strategically prepare for cases and make certain they possess the documents that would validate the claims of their clients. The materials presented in this article seek to prepare legal practitioners with all the required information and tools to proficiently tackle the complexities presented by issues related to alcohol.
