Family of college student sues fraternity for wrongful death

Across Florida college campuses, fraternities and sororities are known for the sense of community they offer. Some, unfortunately, are also known for big parties and allowing – and encouraging – underage drinking. This behavior may seem like fun, but in some devastating cases, a young student can die. In these circumstances, many people may be held accountable for a wrongful death.

Underage drinking, although common, is illegal. Any organization or person who knowingly permits the behavior may be in violation of the law. Not only that, but if a person dies as a result of drinking, these same parties could be held responsible for the death.

In some situations, a bar or restaurant that knowingly served alcohol to a minor could be among those who are responsible. Similarly, an organization who hosts an event where minors are served alcohol can be charged with contributing to the death of a person as well.

This is the case for a college student who died after a night of drinking. The young woman was attending a fraternity-hosted party at Texas bar. The young woman attended the party with her boyfriend, who is a member of the frat, and it was reported that she was given at least 10 drinks in under two hours. She was found on the floor of her boyfriend’s apartment and later pronounced dead.

The family of the young woman claims that the bartender, the bar owners, the fraternity and the college all contributed to the student’s death. Although an autopsy showed that the woman died from cardiac arrhythmia, the family claims she would never have died if she had not been drinking that heavily.

In cases of wrongful death suits, family members want someone to be held responsible for a loved one’s unnecessary death. Although police closed their case in this situation due to the health problems, the family is seeking financial compensation for the various expenses related to the young woman’s death. They claim that negligence on the part of the bar, the school, the fraternity and others was exhibited. If she had not been allowed to drink so heavily, she would not have died.

Those who lose a loved one because of someone else’s negligence are entitled to pursue compensation for the damages related to the death. While it cannot replace the deceased, a wrongful death lawsuit can help a family recover financially from the tragic loss.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Megan Helal’s Parents File Lawsuit For Baylor Fraternity Wrongful Death,” Tyler Kingkade, March 22, 2012