PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh bar is facing a Dram Shop claim after a patron left the establishment with a .222 blood alcohol level and caused a head-on collision resulting in serious injuries.
Robert Moltzen and Mary Samuel filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against J.W.R., Inc., Jr's Bar, Aaron Auber and Jonathan Vincent Bell alleging negligence and Dram Shop Act violation.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, Bell was at Jr's Bar on June 6, 2021, where he consumed large amounts of alcohol while he was visibly intoxicated. They further allege Bell was later determined to have a .222 blood alcohol level and had also consumed marijuana and fentanyl.
The plaintiffs claim Bell left the bar, drove his vehicle on State Highway 28 in the wrong direction and caused a head-on collision with their car. They allege that as a result of the collision, Moltzen suffered internal bleeding, fractures to his spine, rib and other parts of his body and a concussion.
They further allege that Samuel suffered a concussion, lost consciousness for 30 minutes and suffered temporary amnesia as well as injuries to her spine and ribs. The plaintiffs claim Jr's Bar's negligence for supplying Bell the alcohol and preventing him from exiting the bar while intoxicated. They also claim Jr's Bar violated the Pennsylvania Dram Shop Act and failed to enforce policies and procedures or properly train its staff.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Jonathan Stewart and Patrick Murray of SMT Legal in Pittsburgh.