Karns Law Group

6 VALLEY ROAD • MIDDLETOWN, R.I. 02842 401-841-5300 FAX 401-846-5999 www.karnslaw.com LEGAL TIP The Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law. The court does not license any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. PERSONAL INJURY LAW • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Traumatic Brain Injuries • Product Liabilities • Maritime Injuries • Social Security Disability No Fee Unless Successful Neither a bar nor the hotel where it is located can be held liable under the “method of operation” theory of negligence for injuries caused by a patron who drove drunk, the 1st Circuit has ruled. The plaintiffs were New Hampshire residents who were injured when their vehicle was rear-ended at 60 miles per hour by a drunk driver who had consumed alcohol at a Boston nightclub housed in a downtown hotel. They sued the nightclub and hotel in U.S. District Court, claiming they had engaged in a “method of operation” that they knew or should have known would result in serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons. The plaintiffs pointed to the low ratio of servers to patrons, the dark atmoshpere and the fact that patrons could obtain alcohol from any one of 16 bartenders and six waiters. The court denied the case saying it cannot be proven by “method of operation,” evidence that the bar knowingly served an intoxicated person is needed. <WEBSITE>www.karnslaw.com</WEBSITE>