Underage drinking is a serious problem in Florida, leading to many Florida drunk driving accidents. However, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), it also leads to many other types of injuries and health issues. In fact, underage drinking leads to 5000 deaths each year, and about 1900 of these are due to drunk driving accidents. According to MADD, the dangers include:
1) Injuries to minors and children. When teens and youths drink, they often take risks, such as boating under the influence or attempting daring feats. Many young Florida spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients sustained their injuries while under the influence. According to MADD, underage drinking is a contributing factor to 1600 homicides across the country each year.
2) Sexual abuse. Underage drinkers are more likely to have unprotected intercourse. They are also more likely to become targets for predators. When drinking, teens are less able to defend themselves and less able to anticipate and get out of dangerous situations.
3) Substance abuse. Underage experimentation with alcohol can also lead to experimentation with drugs, according to MADD. As well, teens who start to experiment with alcohol early are more likely to become dependant on alcohol. MADD statistics suggest that teen who start drinking before their 15th birthday are four times more likely to become dependant on alcohol than peers who start drinking at the legal age.
4) Brain injuries and damage. Teens who drink are more at risk of sustaining brain injuries in accidents and pranks. However, drinking itself can also cause brain damage. When drunk in excess, alcohol can impact developing brains and cause permanent brain damage. The biggest risk is with binge drinking, which for a teen girl can include as few as four drinks at a time.
If you have a teen or child who has been injured due to underage drinking, consult with a Florida personal injury attorney. You may have a premises liability case or personal injury case, as the person serving alcohol to your minor did so illegally. Contact the Flaxman Law Group to discuss your case. The Flaxman Law Group has decades of experience in Miami Beach, Miami, Aventura, and other South Florida communities. Call today to schedule a free accident consultation to discuss your rights and your options.