Texas courts have awarded millions of dollars to the victims of drunk-driving accidents after bars and other businesses over-served alcohol to customers who were obviously intoxicated.
Need a Texas Dram Shop Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured by a person who was over-served alcohol at a bar, restaurant, or other business, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
UPDATE: Club in Lubbock Hit With Dram Shop Lawsuit
In February 2021, a lawsuit was filed by the family of a motorcycle driver who died after being served too much alcohol at Club Level in Lubbock, Texas. Last year, the same nightclub lost its liquor license after a deadly shooting. Click here to read more.
Texas Jury Awards $10.5 Million in Dallas Dram Shop Lawsuit
A jury in Dallas, Texas, awarded $10.5 million to the family of a woman who was killed by a drunk driver outside a topless club in March 2011.
Kasey McKenzie, 23, was run over and killed by a “monster truck” driven by Eric Crutchfield, 27, who left the Spearmint Rhino Gentleman’s Club with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system.
He drove a Ford F-250 with illegal modifications, including gigantic wheels and a lift kit that elevated the truck body several feet over the road.
Employees of the Spearmint Rhino were accused of continuing to serve alcohol to Crutchfield for 3 or 4 hours, “even though it was or should have been apparent … that Crutchfield was intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others.”
$18 Million Awarded in Texas Drunk Driving Lawsuit
Another in Texas awarded $18.7 million to the parents of Bryant Hernandez, an 18-year-old who was killed in a drunk-driving accident that was caused by a man who drove the wrong way on a highway after having 17 drinks and being kicked out of a bar in Corpus Christi.
Water Park Agrees to $4.75 Million Settlement After Drunk Driving Accident
In November 2020, an indoor water park in New Jersey agreed to pay a $4.75 million settlement after a customer drank 16-18 servings of alcohol and got into a car accident that killed his 9 year-old daughter and severely injured her 8 year-old sister.
Texas Gives Drunk Driving Victims Right to Sue Bars
Drunk driving has plagued Texas highways for decades, but victims didn’t have the right to sue bars until about 30 years ago, after the landmark Texas Supreme Court decision El Chico v. Poole (1987).
The court decided that employees of the El Chico restaurant violated the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code by serving whiskey to a man who was clearly intoxicated, resulting in a deadly drunk driving accident.
What is the Texas Dram Shop Act?
Today, the Texas Dram Shop Act holds bars, clubs, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores, gas stations, and other alcohol-serving businesses responsible for injuries, deaths, and property damage that were caused by a customer who was served too much alcohol when they were obviously intoxicated or underage.
Obvious Signs of Alcohol Intoxication
It is illegal for businesses to serve alcohol to anyone who is obviously drunk. The signs of alcohol intoxication can include slurred speech, droopy or red eyes, poor judgement, trouble walking, lack of inhibitions, aggression, excitement, and more.
Examples of Dram Shop Lawsuits
Here are a few examples of cases that might qualify:
- Victims of drunk driving car accidents
- Attacked by a drunk person (violence outside a bar, domestic abuse, etc.)
- Adults knowingly serving alcohol to minors under 18 (called “social host lawsuits”)
How Much is a Dram Shop Lawsuit Worth in Texas?
The payout could include financial compensation for pain and suffering, wrongful death, lost income or earning potential, medical bills, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.
Need a Dram Shop Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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