$659,500 Wrongful Death Judgment in Louisiana Drunk Driving Case Involving Casino Alcohol Service
In a significant wrongful death lawsuit in Louisiana, a major child was awarded $659,500 after his father was tragically killed in a drunk driving accident involving a driver who had been drinking for over 13 hours at a Native American casino. The judgment came after years of legal battles that included rulings from both the Louisiana Supreme Court and a denial of review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Background: Tragedy on the Road
The fatal crash occurred when the intoxicated driver, after consuming alcohol at a Louisiana casino for more than thirteen hours, crossed the centerline and collided with oncoming traffic, resulting in the death of the victim—a father and primary provider for his family.
Casino Alcohol Service at the Heart of the Case
A critical element of this personal injury case was the casino’s role in overserving alcohol. The plaintiff alleged that the casino and its employees were negligent in continuing to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual, which directly led to the fatal accident.
While the trial court initially dismissed the claims against the casino and its employees based on no cause of action, the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed that decision. The appellate court reinstated claims specifically against individual casino employees for their personal negligence in contributing to the deadly event.
Dram Shop Law and Legal Maneuvering
The case became even more complex due to Louisiana’s dram shop statute, which limits the liability of alcohol providers. However, the Third Circuit Court’s interpretation allowed the trial to proceed against the casino staff for negligent alcohol service.
There was procedural back-and-forth, including a major delay after the jury was already seated. During opening statements, the Third Circuit issued a ruling that temporarily halted proceedings. Once the trial resumed, the case moved forward, resulting in a substantial judgment.
Final Judgment: Justice Served
The final judgment awarded $659,500 to the decedent’s major child for the wrongful death of his father. The verdict underscored the importance of responsible alcohol service and reinforced that third-party establishments—even those operating under tribal jurisdiction—may still face scrutiny under state law when it comes to alcohol-related accidents.
Case Information:
Plaintiff’s Attorney: Robert M. Marionneaux, Jr. – Marionneaux Law Firm, Baton Rouge
Case Name: Zaunbrecher, et al. v. The Succession of Leo J. David, et al.
Case No.: 2013-9544, Division B
Court: 12th Judicial District Court, Avoyelles Parish
Date: June 19, 2019
If you or a loved one has suffered a loss due to the negligence of a drunk driver or the irresponsible service of alcohol by a business, it’s critical to speak with an experienced legal team.
At Marionneaux Law, we fight for families impacted by wrongful death and personal injury throughout Louisiana. With a proven record of holding negligent parties accountable—including businesses that overserve alcohol—we’re here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
Contact Marionneaux Law today for a free consultation and let our experienced team stand up for your rights.