Can Instagram Be Held Liable For A Teenager’s Eating Disorder?
Eating disorders are a serious public health problem. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 1 in 10 Americans will have a serious eating disorder at some point during the course of their lifetime. Young people—especially pre-teen and teenage girls—are at the highest risk.
There is evidence that social media—particularly Instagram—is contributing to this problem. In this article, our New York & New Jersey Meta lawsuit attorney explains the most important things parents should know about filing a lawsuit against Instagram to hold the company legally liable for their child’s eating disorder.
Instagram is Being Sued for Causing a Child’s Eating Disorder
An eating disorder is no small matter. It is a very serious psychological issue that can lead to severe medical complications and even death. According to a report from Gizmodo, a California family has filed a lawsuit against Instagram on the grounds that the company should be held responsible for their 11-year-old daughter’s eating disorder. The complaint alleges that the child developed anorexia nervosa and other mental health issues because of the social media platform.
Note: Instagram is owned by Meta. Meta is also the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp.
Eating Disorder Claims Against Instagram are Based on the “Facebook Papers”
The recent lawsuit filed against Instagram (Meta) is largely based on the publication of the so-called “Facebook Papers”. Broadly described, the Facebook Papers are a set of internal corporate documents that show that many high-ranking executives and decision-makers at Meta were aware of the adverse effects that Instagram and Facebook were having on children and teenagers.
Sadly, many young people developed addictions to Instagram, Facebook, and platforms. A major social media company like Meta actually benefits from teenagers’ addiction to the platform because it drives more revenue. Serious questions are being raised about the extent to which Instagram and other social media platforms may bear liability for harm caused to young people.
Your Family May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation
Large companies must be held accountable for the harm that they cause—especially when vulnerable young people bear the brunt of the damage. Instagram may be legally liable for a pre-teen or teenager’s eating disorder. Through a lawsuit against Instagram’s parent company Meta, your family may be eligible to recover financial compensation for:
- Emergency medical bills;
- Hospital bills and other care;
- Rehabilitative physical and mental treatment;
- Pain and suffering/emotional distress;
- Long-term disfigurement or disability; and
- The wrongful death of your child.
Contact Our New Jersey & New York Meta Lawsuit Lawyers for Help
At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, we are devoted advocates for justice. Our firm is currently investigating lawsuits against Meta. If your child or teenager developed an eating disorder because of Instagram or Facebook, our attorneys are here to help. Contact our legal team today to set up a free, strictly confidential consultation. With a law office in Ocean, NJ and an office in Manhattan, we provide legal representation to families in New Jersey and New York.
Source:
anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/
