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Establishment Liability in DWI Accident in North Carolina

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

A bar in North Carolina has been found liable for serving alcohol to a visibly drunk man, who then crashed into a family. David Huffman left Eddie’s Place Restaurant and Bar with a blood-alcohol level of 0.23—nearly three times the legal limit—and then crashed head-on into Matt and Meredith Eastridge’s SUV at 74 mph. Meredith Eastridge, 30, was six months pregnant; her uterus was ruptured and the fetus died.

The couple suffered other severe injuries; Meredith’s medical expenses reached $200,000 and Matt Eastridge’s injuries led to a massive infection, requiring $470,000 in medical care. The couple suffered extreme emotional distress over the death of their unborn son, and Meredith missed work, incurring about $25,000 in lost earnings.

Huffman was killed in the wreck; the Eastridges sued his estate, alleging he was reckless and negligent for driving while intoxicated. That claim was settled for $60,000, with the estate remaining in the case. The plaintiffs also sued Eddie’s Place, contending that its employees continued to serve Huffman alcohol after he was visibly intoxicated, in violation of North Carolina’s dram shop act. They presented evidence that Huffman drank fifteen alcoholic beverages in 2.25 hours at the bar. A videotape of Huffman at the bar, drinking with the manager, was also presented.

The restaurant argued the crash was Huffman’s fault alone; initially the defendant claimed to have served Huffman four drinks, but later admitted to having served him several more, saying the last two were just “top offs.” The restaurant also argued the bartender refused to serve Huffman after he appeared visibly intoxicated (toward the end of his visit), and that employees had set up a ride for Huffman, but he refused to take it.

The two sides entered into a high-low settlement agreement shortly before the verdict was announced. The jury found the restaurant liable under the dram shop act and awarded about $1.64 million in damages. Because the verdict was within the range of the high-low agreement, it will be paid in full.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Mike Agruss Law, for a free consultation at 312-224-4695. Mike Agruss Law, handles personal injury cases throughout Illinois. Mike Agruss Law, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you. This litigation strategy will provide you with the best possible compensation.

Lastly, Mike Agruss Law, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire our Chicago personal injury law firm–just the opportunity to seek justice. Call us today at 312-224-4695.

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