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Family Sues Suburban Bar Over Alleged Overserving Before 2024 DUI Crash That Killed Mother

Attorneys are using the case to push for tougher Illinois dram‑shop rules they say would deter overservice.

Overview

  • Clifford Law Offices filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit against Rafferty’s Irish Pub, alleging staff overserved a patron and gave him an alcoholic drink to go.
  • The suit says driver Finn Curran left the bar at more than twice the legal blood‑alcohol limit and then struck Tanya Navarro’s disabled vehicle on La Grange Road in Hodgkins, killing her and her dog.
  • Prosecutors have charged Curran with felony DUI causing death, and the criminal case remains pending.
  • At a press conference, State Sen. Willie Preston and State Rep. Lisa Davis supported the family and called the death avoidable.
  • Plaintiffs and allied lawyers urged strengthening Illinois dram‑shop laws, noting the current damages cap of about $107,000, and Rafferty’s has not responded to media requests for comment.