Yesterday, a Jefferson County jury returned a verdict in favor of a former worker at The Furnace who claimed she was hurt in a drunk driving accident in 2007 because the club failed to stop her from driving home after work. The Bessemer, Alabama employee was awarded a verdict of $100,000 in compensatory damages and no punitive damages.
The Plaintiff had previously worked for The Furnace, went to work on October 17, 2007 and left the club intoxicated. While driving home, she wrecked her car on the interstate and broke her nose and back. Police reports showed a blood-alcohol level of nearly three times the legal limit, a result of drinking while on the job.
The week long trial focused on the negligence of The Furnace management, who failed to follow safety precautions allowing workers to drink on the job and then allowing them to drive home. The Furnace claimed to only allow the workers a 2 drink maximum; however, the Plaintiff and another worker testified that they repeatedly had more than 2 drinks a night. The club actually encourages workers to drink and sell drinks to night club patrons allowing the club and workers to make more money.
Attorneys for the Plaintiff were Birmingham accident lawyers, Kirby Farris and Brett Turnbell of Farris, Riley & Pitt.
Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP is a personal injury firm representing clients of auto and trucking accidents, drunk driving accidents, overtime claims, nursing home abuse, insurance fraud, and wrongful death. If you believe you have a case, call us today for your free consultation at 1-888-580-5176 or 205-324-1212.
