A $5.9 million settlement has been reached in a dram shop liability case litigated by The Haggard Law Firm’s Maegan Bridwell and Douglas McCarron along with co-counsel Hampton Keen and Austin Diaz. The case stemmed from the death of a 32-year-old wife and mother who was killed by an intoxicated underage driver after being overserved alcohol at a. St Lucie County, FL restaurant and bar.
Per terms of the settlement the names of the parties involved are confidential.
A Preventable Tragedy
On February 7, 2021, a 19-year-old male patron was served 14 alcoholic beverages over several hours at a local Bar and Grill without ever being asked for identification. Severely intoxicated, the underage customer left the bar in his pickup truck, crossed the center line of a two-lane road, and collided head-on with the victim’s vehicle.
The young mother died instantly from blunt force trauma, leaving behind her high school sweetheart and husband, and their daughter who was just shy of her first birthday.
Legal Action and Accountability
A dram shop liability lawsuit was filed against the local restaurant and bar and the property owner where the establishment operated. The lawsuit alleged that both defendants were responsible for operating the bar and allowing a minor to be served to the point of intoxication.
The case was complicated by a dispute over whether any insurance coverage applied to the incident, but through determined litigation and strategic advocacy, Bridwell and McCarron secured a $5.9 million resolution against both defendants.
Understanding Florida’s Dram Shop Law
Under Florida’s Dram Shop Law (Fla. Stat. §768.125), bars, restaurants, and alcohol-serving establishments can be held legally responsible when they knowingly serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons who later cause injury or death. This law exists to promote responsible alcohol service and protect the public from the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
The Importance of Accountability
This case underscores the life-and-death importance of responsible alcohol service. When establishments fail to verify IDs or overserve intoxicated patrons, they put innocent lives at risk. The Haggard Law Firm’s work in this case highlights how civil litigation can drive accountability and systemic change, ensuring that safety and responsibility are not ignored in the pursuit of profit.
Proven Results in Dram Shop and Wrongful Death Cases
For more than 30 years, The Haggard Law Firm has been a national leader in dram shop liability, wrongful death, and negligent security cases. The firm’s attorneys have successfully represented victims and families across Florida and the country, securing landmark results and fighting for justice in the face of preventable tragedy.
Contact The Haggard Law Firm
The aftermath of a fatal crash can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help your family pursue justice with compassion and determination.
