$3.75 Million Dram Shop and Drunk Driver Liability

$3.75 Million

Dram Shop and Drunk Driver Liability

The Case: A drunk driver struck our client, a pedestrian working on a nighttime road paving crew, and fled the scene of the accident. The driver was apprehended by the police and charged with driving under the influence with great bodily harm. Our client suffered multiple injuries, including a mild traumatic brain injury and numerous facial fractures. He continues to struggle with chronic pain, headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sleep and emotional disturbances, and significant hearing loss.

The Outcome: The driver testified that he had been served ten liquor drinks over a four-hour period at a well-known chain restaurant. The bar's surveillance video recorded him drinking on the night in question. Managers, who were later fired, testified that the restaurant had a culture of allowing excessive drinking and comping drinks for loyal customers. They also testified that they had received very little training around safe alcohol policies and procedures.

Still, attorneys for the restaurant contended that the driver was the one to blame for our client's injuries. We successfully argued that they each held responsibility and secured this $3.75 million settlement from both the driver and restaurant.