The “knowingly furnished” standard means an adult social host cannot escape liability simply because he or she refrained from physically handing alcohol to their minor guests. As it turns out, the phrase “knowingly furnished” is a bit deceptive. Pennsylvania courts interpret the phrase broadly, and an adult social host can be held liable if they participated in planning the party or substantially aided the minors’ drinking. Furthermore, parents may be liable based upon their duty to reasonably supervise minors if the circumstances surrounding the social gathering justify they do so.
If an intoxicated minor drank at an adult’s home, and injured you or your child or committed sexual assault or some other crime, it is extremely important to consult with an experienced crime victim and sexual abuse attorney. The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the better the chance your rights will be protected.