$9.8 Million Dram Shop Settlement | Yarborough Applegate

$9.8 Million

Dram Shop Settlement

The Case: Our client was severely injured when his intoxicated girlfriend crashed head-on into another vehicle as he slept in the back seat after drinking with friends throughout the day in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. The crash, which occurred on Interstate 26 at approximately 50 mph, left our client with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injuries.

The Outcome: After the suit was filed, our client tendered demands for the full insurance policy limits carried by two alcohol-serving establishments—one in Charleston and another in nearby Shem Creek—and his (by then) ex-girlfriend. The girlfriend and Charleston bar both tendered their policy limits, which were shared by our client and the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision. However, the Shem Creek establishment failed to timely answer the complaint after its insurance broker failed to turn it over to the liability carrier. After two mediations, we were able to secure a final settlement of $9.8 million.