MESSA & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Messa & Associates Published in National Magazine

Philadelphia, Pa. (September 15, 2009) - Philadelphia's very own Joseph L. Messa, founder of law firm Messa & Associates, was recently quoted in the September issue of Money Magazine.

The article titled, "Protecting Your Big Kid and You," by Dan Kadlec, discussed ways on how to protect parents from the "after-prom parties" or "random under-age gatherings" at their houses while away on vacation.

If young adults or teenagers were to caused damage or get hurt, parents could be charged with providing alcohol to a minor, a misdemeanor punishable by up to $3,000 fine and possibly a year in prison. Parents could also be sued by the families of the teen's friends and forced to pay for property damage, medical bills, and even emotional distress.

Adding umbrella insurance to your homeowners and auto policies, which is coverage that shields you from outsize medical, and property-damage bills and legal judgments that result from accidents on your property or in your car-, provides some protection.

In addition, parents should take a few simple precautions that can help to prove, if necessary, that they made a real effort to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors in their home. Also, parents should lock the liquor cabinet or remove it entirely from the home or leave a responsible adult in charge while they are away.

Joe Messa includes that, "Taking these steps can help get you off the legal hook and out of a fine if minors in your home manage to drink anyway, get into trouble, and the police are called. That in turn will help ensure your umbrella policy picks up the tab if you're sued as a result of an injury or property damage related to the drinking incident."

For more information regarding the interview or umbrella insurance, please contact Jessica Neff at 215-568-3500 or Jneff@messalaw.com.

Click here to read the article.

About Messa & Associates, P.C.
Messa & Associates P.C., specializes in representing individuals and their families in complex personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, fires and explosions. Our attorneys serve Pennsylvania clients throughout the state, including in Philadelphia and other surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Bucks County. Messa & Associates are also proud to serve New Jersey clients throughout the state as well as litigate selected cases throughout the country.