Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against Bar That Served Drunk Driver

The family of a woman hit and killed by a drunk driver as she crossed the street has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and the bar where he worked.

In his lawsuit Matthew Wood, husband of Susan Berry Wood, claims that 25-year-old Jeremy Lane, who worked at Chattanooga Billiard Club, was served alcohol "free of charge" from the time he got off work at 3 a.m. until he staggered out of the bar at 7 a.m. The lawsuit further alleges that when Lane left the bar and got into his car he was clearly and visibly intoxicated. A short time later he fatally struck Wood as she was crossing the street to report to work.

According to police Lane was drunk when he hit Mrs. Wood. He had run a red light, but instead of stopping when the accident occurred, Lane fled the scene and called police claiming his car had been carjacked.

Wood's lawsuit also claims that the Chattanooga Billiard Club should be held liable given that "it was foreseeable and probable that harm or injury would occur to persons such as Susan Wood, given the actions of Chattanooga Billiard Club in providing free alcohol to its employees on its premises." The bar violated a city ordinance that bans bar workers from ever drinking at their place of employment, even if they are off duty. The ordinance also prohibits bars from serving alcohol to anyone between the hours of 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. on a weekday. Lane's accident occurred on December 23, a Wednesday.

Mr. Wood is seeking an unspecified amount in punitive damages for the bar's gross negligence and recklessness.

Lane also faces criminal charges for DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

Injured by a Drunk Driver in North Carolina?

Drunk driving is one of the most egregious forms of negligence, and when an individual is so careless as to get behind the wheel and drive drunk, they deserve to be held liable if their negligent actions led to injury or death. If you were injured by a drunk driver, or if your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you can trust a North Carolina auto accident attorney at Lanier Law Group to help you pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. You deserve to be compensated for what you've been through, not only for your medical expenses and lost wages, but also for your pain, suffering, emotional distress, and overall decreased enjoyment of life.

Please feel free to contact Lanier Law Group today if you need help filing a drunk driving accident claim.