On December 10, 2018, a 24-year old bartender working for a Jupiter, Florida restaurant, owned by Tiger Woods and operated by General Manager Erica Herman, crashed his car and died after leaving his place of employment.
The bartender had been drinking in the restaurant after his shift ended and had a blood-alcohol level of .256—three times over the legal limit—when he crashed his car.
Earlier this year, the bartender’s parents brought a wrongful death suit against both the company that owns the restaurant and Herman. While Woods was listed initially as a defendant, his name was dropped from the suit. The suit is now focused on the bartender’s employers.
We’ll delve a bit deeper into the parents’ Florida civil complaint below.
If you arrived at this webpage seeking legal wrongful death guidance, please call us with any questions you might have regarding your situation. Call us for a free consultation at (904) 567-3113.
Details on the Florida Wrongful Death Suit against the Restaurant and Management
The bartender apparently ended his shift at 3 pm, then stayed at the bar in Jupiter, Florida drinking until he got behind the wheel of his car. He died in a single-car accident while driving an estimated 70 mph in a 55 mph zone.
The lawsuit against the company and the restaurant general manager, alleges that the responsible parties were aware of the bartender’s struggles with alcohol addiction.
Details of the case include:
- Staff and management observed him drinking.
- An employee said the bartender smelled of alcohol before leaving.
- Bartender’s girlfriend had asked restaurant staff to stop serving him alcohol a month prior to his death
The parents are seeking damages in excess of $15,000 from the company and general manager plus court costs due to:
- Loss of their son’s support and companionship
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of probable net income, net accumulations, and household services
- Medical and funeral expenses due to injury and death
Does this Florida Wrongful Death Suit Against Employers Have Merit?
Clearly, that will be up to the courts to decide.
However, it is well within the rights of the bartender’s parents to file a wrongful death suit against his employers.
Florida allows parents of adult children to sue for wrongful death if there are no other survivors.
Reasons to file a wrongful death suit can include:
- Pay outstanding medical and funeral costs
- Compensation for lost income
- Pain and suffering caused by the death of a loved one
Additionally, the parents filed the lawsuit well before Florida’s Statute of Limitations, which is two years from the date of death.
The parent’s wisely sought the counsel of attorneys who apparently felt there was justification to pursue damages.
It’s Okay to Reach Out for Help
It’s important to have experienced representation when considering a wrongful death lawsuit. Attorneys at Fusco Law Group can provide the legal guidance and experience to help you through this traumatic period of your life and help you get the compensation you and your family deserve.
If you’re in need of legal advice, don’t hesitate to contact a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney. We’re always available to answer any questions regarding your rights in personal injuries and wrongful deaths. Give our office a call at (904) 567-3113.