Alcohol-Related Injuries

The involvement of alcohol with any activity can create a risk of harm to both the person under the influence as well as anyone with or near that person. When people do not drink responsibly, they significantly increase the chances that someone may be seriously injured or killed as a result of drunken conduct. Alcohol-related injuries occur in a variety of circumstances, with the most severe of all involving motor vehicles, watercraft, and other machinery that becomes much more dangerous when alcohol is involved.

Alcohol-related injuries can be catastrophic, leading to the loss of limb, multiple fractured and shattered bones, permanent disfigurement and scarring, damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, burns, and death. Further, alcohol-related injuries may occur when no vehicles or machinery are involved at all. For example, individuals drinking on a porch or balcony may be accidentally pushed, losing their balance and falling off the deck or balcony.

Also, alcohol-related injuries have been known to occur when multiple people are standing on a deck or balcony, and the structure is not able to hold all of the weight, causing individuals to fall and suffer severe injuries or death. These injuries often happen at very large parties where most of the people involved are very young.

Unlike many personal injury and medical malpractice lawsuits, alcohol-related injuries involve conduct that isn’t the fault of just one person. If multiple people are under the influence of alcohol and an injury occurs, it may be difficult to place fault on any one particular person. Obviously, if a drunk driver causes an automobile accident, or hits a passenger, the fault can clearly be placed on the drunk driver for any injuries suffered. The same applies for boat or other watercraft operators who are under the influence of alcohol when operating on the water, causing people to suffer injuries.

If alcohol-related injuries occur in a private home, the homeowner may be held liable for any injuries suffered, such as those occurring when a balcony or deck gives way. This is especially the case if any injured individuals were underage. Further, if alcohol-related injuries occur in a commercial setting, such as a bar, restaurant, club, or commercial water vessel, then the business owner may be held liable if any laws were violated, such as the unlawful sale of alcohol to minors.

Overall, each case should be looked at with the same attention no matter how easy or difficult the case may be. A qualified Maine injury attorney will evaluate your potential case from both sides, anticipating what the defendant may argue. Because alcohol-related injuries are so serious, it is important to speak with an attorney very soon after the accident occurs. Memories are fresher and more witnesses are available if a case is pursued right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be for your attorney to gather the required evidence to prove your case.

Peter Thompson & Associates devotes its law practice to seeking justice for innocent victims. With three convenient office locations in Portland, which is our main office, Falmouth, and Bangor, our attorneys are able to provide excellent legal advice to injured individuals from all over the state of Maine. If you or a loved one has suffered an alcohol-related injury, contact Peter Thompson & Associates today to schedule a consultation by calling toll-free at 1 800.804.2004, or you may contact us online and we will respond to you as soon as possible.