A new civil lawsuit has been filed against Rafferty’s Irish Pub in Countryside, Illinois, alleging the bar knowingly overserved a patron who later caused a fatal DUI crash. According to Clifford Law Offices, who announced the filing on behalf of the family, 58-year-old Tanya Navarro was killed on December 13, 2024, when an intoxicated driver crashed into her disabled vehicle along La Grange Road in Hodgkins. Navarro’s dog also died in the crash, compounding the family’s grief.
The lawsuit centers on Finn Curran of Hodgkins, who had reportedly been drinking at Rafferty’s prior to the collision. Court filings allege Curran was more than twice the legal limit when he left the bar and soon thereafter slammed into Navarro’s vehicle. The suit further claims that Curran later admitted employees not only continued to serve him despite clear impairment but even gave him “a drink to go,” a direct violation of Illinois liquor laws.
“This tragedy never should have happened,” said attorney Joseph Murphy, a partner at Clifford Law Offices. “Rafferty’s servers knew Mr. Curran was in no condition to drive yet failed to take steps to prevent him from getting behind the wheel.” Murphy said the lawsuit highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of alcohol service regulations among bars and restaurants in Illinois.
The fatal crash that took Navarro’s life has drawn the attention of state lawmakers, who have expressed public support for her grieving family. State Sen. Willie Preston (D-16th District) called her death “tragic and avoidable,” emphasizing that accountability is necessary for establishments that overserve patrons who later cause harm.
Likewise, State Rep. Lisa Davis (D-32nd District) issued a statement acknowledging the catastrophic impact on Navarro’s daughters. “Alyza and her sister Aliyah have forever lost their mother due to an auto crash that never should have happened,” Davis said. “I grieve for them — and will continue to support their pursuit of justice.”
Clifford Law Offices announced plans to hold a press conference at its downtown Chicago office, where Murphy will be joined by Preston, Davis, and Navarro’s daughters. Alyza Navarro is expected to speak publicly about the loss of her mother and the family’s legal journey.
FOX 32 reached out to Rafferty’s Irish Pub for comment on the lawsuit, but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Illinois Dram Shop laws allow victims’ families to pursue legal action against establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated customers. In this case, the allegations that Curran was given alcohol despite clear signs of impairment — and even provided a drink to take with him — raise serious questions about Rafferty’s compliance with state alcohol service requirements.
The Navarro family’s lawsuit underscores the broader dangers of overserving and the devastating consequences that follow when impaired individuals are allowed — or encouraged — to drive. As lawmakers examine the case, some are calling for improved training, stronger penalties, and more oversight to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The heartbreaking death of Tanya Navarro is a reminder of the catastrophic harm caused when intoxicated drivers take to the road — especially when overservice plays a contributing role. For victims and families seeking justice, Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, stands as a national leader in representing survivors of violent crimes, DUI crashes, and negligent security incidents.
Attorney Michael Haggard, Esq. and his team have built a national reputation for holding negligent parties accountable — including bars, restaurants, and establishments whose irresponsible service of alcohol contributes to preventable deaths. Families navigating emotional trauma, financial loss, and legal uncertainty deserve strong advocacy. Haggard Crime Victim Attorney works to ensure that victims’ voices are heard and that those responsible face consequences.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a drunk-driving crash or overserving incident, you can contact Haggard Crime Victim Attorney for guidance and support.
Source:
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/lawsuit-westchester-bar-overserved-driver
