McClenathan Obtains Unanimous Defense Verdict for Dramshop Client

This April, a Boone County, IL, 12-person jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a unanimous defense verdict in favor of Heyl Royster's corporate client in a Dramshop claim.
 
Firm Shareholder Mark McClenathan carefully elicited testimony from several witnesses and a toxicologist expert to prove that the co-defendant "AIP" (alleged intoxicated person) was intoxicated at the time of the accident from alcohol consumed immediately before the motor vehicle accident and not from drinks served to the AIP the night before at the client's establishment. The co-defendant had lost control of his vehicle due to intoxication (.103 BAC), crossed the centerline, and hit the plaintiff's vehicle head-on, causing severe injuries. While the plaintiff was able to win a verdict against the co-defendant for nearly $1.5 million in compensatory damages plus $500,000 in punitive damages, Mark was able to guide the jury to follow the evidence and law, and make the right call concerning the firm's client, despite the obvious sympathy the jury felt for the Plaintiff.

HEYL ROYSTER IS READY TO DEFEND YOU. If your business, organization, or you need premier liquor liability and dramshop services from an industry-leading defense law firm, the dedicated legal minds at Heyl Royster are ready to provide you with the legal advice and legal services that you deserve. From risk assessment to compliance issues, labor law, and more, our wide-ranging practices are staffed by experienced litigators ready to come to your defense.