The family of a Burin Peninsula teen who was shot in the chest and nearly died New Year's Eve says the sentencing doled out to the accused in a Grand Bank court this week is a joke.

"He goes on his merry way, while (my grandson's) life is ruined," the grandfather of the victim told CBC News Wednesday.

The victim was one of four people — two teenaged males, a man in his 30s and a 60-year-old female — at a house in Brookside on Dec. 31 when he was hit in the chest with a shotgun blast.

Brookside is a small community on Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula. (Google)

The shot was fired by another teen male, who can't be named because of his age. The Youth Criminal Justice Act also prevents the media from identifying the victim.

The victim had to undergo surgery, was in an induced coma for two weeks, and now lives with just one lung.

The incident interrupted his school year, and he also walks around with metallic "shots" in his upper body, the family told CBC News.

A teenager who was shot in the chest at a party in a Brookside home on New Year's Eve is now living with just one lung. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC)

His family says the teen is struggling to deal with the physical and emotional trauma of the shooting.

'It makes no sense'

The shooter was initially charged by police with attempted murder, but pleaded not guilty to a lesser charge of criminal negligence last month.

He was sentenced this week to two years probation, which includes a requirement that he not possess firearms. He must also perform 100 hours of community service.

The grandfather described the sentencing as a joke.

Brookside, on Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula, is home to about 50 people. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC)

"It makes no sense," he said. "He got off scot-free."

The victim's family was hoping the accused would get some jail time, but believe his young age was a factor in the sentencing. It's also believed the accused did not know the shotgun was loaded when he pointed it and pulled the trigger.

The victim had plans to become a welder after finishing high school, but with just one lung, his future plans are now uncertain.

Alcohol was present during the incident.