Watson v. Ohio Valley Bistros, McCracken Circuit Court; Division II; Civil Action No. 10-CI-1400. Richardson Law Group represented a franchisee of TGI Friday’s and its franchisor Carlson Restaurants in an action arising from the service of alcohol to Joe Taylor and his passenger, William Watson. Mr. Taylor and Mr. Watson alleged they were served in excess of two LITs each at the Paducah TGI Friday’s location and then continued to at least two other establishments where they were served and/or purchased alcohol. The vehicle operated by Mr. Taylor was involved in a one-vehicle accident later that night. Mr. Watson was ejected and rendered quadriplegic as a result of his injuries. Richardson Law Group vigorously defended TGI Friday’s on the evidence that the only receipt that matched Mr. Taylor’s and Mr. Watson’s version of events indicated the service of only two LITs, one each to Mr. Taylor and Mr. Watson. Plaintiff’s counsel in the action, David Oakes, responsible for two of the landmark dram shop decisions in Kentucky, focused his efforts on TGI Friday’s and its employees. Utilizing experts from across the nation in our defense, the action was settled before trial to the satisfaction of TGI Friday’s.
