Overview 

A woman in her mid-twenties suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury after falling multiple stories from a hotel roof following a night at a bar where she had been overserved alcohol. The case focused on tavern liability and joint and several liability, resulting in a $3,250,000 settlement in the summer of 2022. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Settlement amount: $3,250,000  
  • Accident type: Fall from a hotel roof following overservice of alcohol  
  • Primary injury: Severe spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia  
  • Resolution method: Settlement  
  • Notable legal issues: Tavern liability and joint and several liability  
  • Medical treatment: Not specified  
  • Long-term impact: Permanent quadriplegia  
  • Key evidence: Evidence establishing liability against the bar was essential because the other responsible party had no significant assets  

The Case 

A woman in her mid-twenties attended a bar where she was served a significant amount of alcohol. After leaving the bar, she went to the hotel room of a person she had met that evening. The other woman climbed onto a sloped roof using the room’s balcony. As our client attempted to coax her down from the roof, the woman slipped and slid down the roof, pulling our client with her. Both women fell multiple stories to the ground below. 

The fall caused our client to sustain a severe spinal cord injury that left her quadriplegic. Her injuries were catastrophic and permanently changed her life. 

The legal case centered on the principles of joint and several liability. Because the woman who caused the fall had no significant assets, recovery depended on establishing liability against the bar. By developing evidence to support a tavern liability claim, Oatley Vigmond built a strong case demonstrating the bar’s responsibility in the circumstances. 

The matter settled in the summer of 2022 for $3,250,000. The outcome reflected the importance of pursuing all viable sources of recovery in cases involving catastrophic injuries. 

Why It Matters 

This case demonstrates the significant role tavern liability can play when alcohol overservice contributes to a catastrophic injury. It also highlights how identifying every potentially liable party can affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. 

The result illustrates the importance of gathering the appropriate evidence in complex liability cases, particularly where one responsible party lacks the financial resources to compensate an injured person.