Is Your Teen Struggling? You Do Not Have to Face Answers Alone

A social media addiction lawsuit asks a court to hold social media companies responsible when a child or teen suffers serious mental-health harm that the family believes the platforms caused. These lawsuits are allegations. They are not proven facts.

CHG Personal Injury Lawyers is a Florida personal injury firm. Our bona fide office is in Coral Gables. We represent families throughout Florida, including West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Igor Hernandez is the responsible lawyer, and he is admitted to The Florida Bar.

What is a social media addiction lawsuit?

A social media addiction lawsuit is a civil case brought by a family. The family says a platform’s design kept a young person engaged in harmful ways and contributed to serious mental-health problems.

A matter like this may be referred to, or handled together with, another law firm.

What do these lawsuits allege?

Lawsuits allege that certain social media platforms were designed to be addictive. They allege that this design harmed children and teens.

The harms described in these lawsuits often include:

• Depression and anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm and suicide attempts

Lawsuits often focus on how platforms keep users engaged. The claims are for a court to decide on evidence.

What do the research and public health reports say?

Research links heavy social media use with mental-health risks for young people. Research shows association, and association is not the same as legal responsibility.

• The U.S. Surgeon General’s report on social media and youth mental health describes heavy social media use as associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other mental-health problems.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s youth mental health resources describe poor mental health and related risks among U.S. teens.
• Research also examines what drives heavy use: a peer-reviewed cross-sectional study of 830 participants found that peer pressure is associated with mobile social media addiction among adolescents.
• Hillsborough County, Florida guidance on kids’ mental health describes signs of mental-health difficulties in children and teens linked to social media and technology use.

What signs might a parent notice?

Parents often notice changes in sleep, mood, schoolwork, and friendships before they connect them to phone or app use. Look for patterns that last for weeks, not a single bad day.

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
• Sleep changes or constant tiredness
• Sharp shifts in mood, irritability, or worry
• Drops in grades or missed school
• Distress when they can’t access their phone or apps

This list is not medical advice. Follow the care plan your child’s doctors recommend.

Does Florida law allow a family to bring a claim?

Families dealing with a serious injury or a death often have questions about their legal options, and the first step is a conversation about their specific situation. Each case depends on its own facts.

• Deadlines: Florida’s statute of limitations for negligence claims (Fla. Stat. § 95.11) sets a time limit to file, and other types of claims may have different deadlines.
• Shared fault: Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, in a negligence action, a party found more than 50% at fault for his or her own harm may not recover any damages. This rule does not apply to an action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of medical negligence under chapter 766. Under Florida’s comparative fault law, Fla. Stat. § 768.81 provides that contributory fault chargeable to the claimant diminishes proportionately the amount awarded as economic and noneconomic damages.
• Punitive damages: Fla. Stat. § 768.72 limits when punitive damages may be sought, including for claims against an employer or corporation based on an agent’s conduct. The standard is clear and convincing evidence (Fla. Stat. § 768.725).
• Under Fla. Stat. § 768.21, which applies in wrongful-death actions, each parent of a deceased minor child may recover for mental pain and suffering.

How does the process work?

The process starts with a conversation. The steps below show what usually happens, though every family’s path is different.

1. Share your situation. Tell us about your child’s history, the timeline, and any medical or school records you have.
2. We review the facts. We check the timeline against Florida deadlines and the rules on fault and damages.
3. We discuss next steps. If a claim appears to fit, we explain the options. A matter may be referred to, or handled together with, another law firm. Cases like this can take a long time and involve evidence from the companies involved.

Nothing here promises any result.

How CHG Personal Injury Lawyers Works With Families

CHG Personal Injury Lawyers is a Florida personal injury firm, and families across Florida can contact us to talk about social media addiction concerns.

• Florida-based. Our bona fide office is in Coral Gables, and we serve families across Florida.
• Clear responsibility. Igor Hernandez is the responsible lawyer. He is admitted to The Florida Bar.
• Support staff. Our team helps families with paperwork, records, and questions along the way.
• Plain language. We separate what lawsuits allege from what courts have decided, so you know where things stand.

If your child may be in crisis

If your child is in crisis or may be thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline now.

Frequently asked questions

Talk with us about your family’s options

If your teen’s health has changed and you’re wondering whether social media played a role, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our free initial consultation is confidential and comes with no obligation to continue. CHG charges no attorney’s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery. Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers to start the conversation.