Lawsuit: Chattanooga bar sued for contribution to fatal hit-and-run accident

2010-03-16 14:35:36 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Wrongful Death)

Chattanooga bar sued for wrongful death of pedestrian, caused by intoxicated former employee.

Legal News for Tennessee Wrongful Death Attorneys. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in connection with a fatal pedestrian-involved traffic accident.

Tennessee wrongful death attorney alerts- Wrongful death lawsuit filed with regards to pedestrian killed in crash.

Chattanooga, TN—A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the Chattanooga Billiard Club in connection with a hit-and-run accident in which a former employee, who was “visibly and clearly intoxicated” upon leaving the bar, fatally struck a pedestrian. The suit, filed on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, alleges employees were permitted to drink complimentary alcoholic beverages after their shifts, was a contributing to the unfortunate incident. The former employee was charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence with regards to the December 23, 2009 traffic crash, according to information provided by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Reports stated that on the day of the fatal hit-and-run accident, 25-year-old Jeremy Lane had finished his shift at 3 a.m., though he remained at the Chattanooga Billiard Club where he proceeded to take advantage of a seemingly unlimited amount of free alcohol. The inebriated Mr. Lane reportedly left the bar in his Nissan sports car at 7 a.m., running a red light at Fourth Street just as a female pedestrian was crossing the road on her way to work. Lane allegedly struck the Susan Berry Wood, fled the scene, and then called 911 to report his vehicle stolen as a means of attempting to escape punishment.

The wrongful death suit, filed by Mrs. Wood’s husband, Matthew Wood, contends, “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.” Reports also noted the fact that a city ordinance prohibits bar employees from drinking at their place of employment, whether they are on the clock or not. Bars are also banned from selling alcohol to any customer from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. during the work week. Jeremy Lane’s stepfather, Gary Bond, was also named in the lawsuit since the car Lane had been driving on the night of the accident belonged to the family, leaving Bond in “control” of who uses the vehicle. Mr. Wood is seeking undisclosed punitive damages for the Billiard Club’s alleged negligence.

Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Tennessee Wrongful Death Lawyers.