Jury Awards Bar Patron Symbolic $4 Million

By THOMAS B. SCHEFFEYAll Articles

The Connecticut Law Tribune

November 16, 2009

ibJohn O'Dell, Administrator v. L.C.B. Entities LLC et al.: /b/i New Britain personal injury lawyer Ronald Murphy has handled plenty of "dram shop" cases, which hold bars liable for serving alcohol to patrons who are later involved in accidents. The lawsuit against the bar involved in Patrick O'Dell's alcohol-fueled death seemed a prime candidate for a settlement. Instead, it went to a full trial, ending in a largely symbolic $4 million verdict. By statute, the plaintiff can collect no more than $250,000. Now defense lawyers say they're planning to appeal on the controversial ground that the bar could not be held liable for any damages unless the driver of the vehicle in which O'Dell was riding was visibly intoxicated.

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