Student's Parents Seek Wrongful Death Action against Baylor Fraternity

Reckless drinking causes over 75,000 deaths per year in the United States. Tragic as this is, it only gets worse in cases of underage drinking. A 19-year-old student of Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, was recently found unconscious on the floor of a frat member's apartment after a party at a bar where alcohol was provided to underage persons. She later died at a hospital, and an autopsy blames her death on a heart condition, but her parents are suing for wrongful death.

In 2009, Megan HeLal was dating a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Baylor—a chapter that has been dissolved because of multiple violations of their charter—and the couple attended a frat party held at Mynar's Bar in West, Texas. Allegedly, HeLal threw back 10-17 drinks in the course of two hours, even though she was only 19 and not of legal drinking age. After the party, her boyfriend discovered her unconscious and she was not breathing when the paramedics arrived. She would later die at the hospital.

Autopsy results showed HeLal's death to be from a heart condition, but her parents refuse to let the case rest there. They firmly argue that the bar that hosted the party was guilty of negligence and the over-serving of alcohol, not to mention the fact that they broke the law by serving alcohol to underage persons. As a result of these events, warrants were issued for the bar owner, two bartenders, and the social chair of the fraternity. HeLal's parents are positive that their daughter's death was brought about by the reckless over-consumption of alcohol due to the negligence and accommodation of the bar and the fraternity members.

Losing a child, or any other loved one, is difficult to take, especially if they died because of the negligence, carelessness, or purposeful actions of another person. If someone you know died because of someone else, you may be able to seek legal compensation for wrongful death. You should not have to suffer injustice, so speak with a Houston personal injury lawyer today and find out what steps you could take against the person who harmed you and your family.

At Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry, we want justice just as much as you do, and we have the experience to see it brought against guilty parties. Should you put us on your case, we may be able to fight for you and gain the highest possible compensation for your situation. Our firm is highly reviewed, and we will dedicate ourselves to bringing victory to your case. Call for a free consultation to see how we may be able to help.

Contact a Houston personal injury attorney from our firm today!