Florida family files lawsuit against Company Y

FROM The Sun, Port Charlotte, Fla.

By Steve Blanchard

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (Oct. 4) - In a move they hope will keep other parents from facing the tragedy of losing a child, the family of DeSoto County native Mr. X filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Company Y and several of its employees Thursday.

The lawsuit did not disclose monetary details.

X died in June from injuries sustained in a car accident caused by employees of the restaurant chain who "turned a blind eye" when the 19-year-old drove from the restaurant after consuming alcoholic beverages, the lawsuit states.

According to Tallahassee Police reports, X wrecked his pickup truck after leaving a Hooter's restaurant with a blood-alcohol level of .24 - three times more than the legal limit of .08. X was transported to a Tallahassee hospital where he later died from his injuries......

……The suit also alleges that on the night of Christopher X's accident, June 24, (employees) "intentionally, knowingly, willfully and purposefully gave, served or permitted to be served alcoholic beverages to employees of Company Y under the age of 21," including X……

…..While the Xs realize their son had some responsibility in the events of June 24, they also believe that responsibility was shared. "We realize everyone had some responsibility that night….Some chose not to exercise that responsibility."

©2002, The Sun, Port Charlotte, Fla. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.