The ex-wife of a man killed in a car crash is suing the bar that she claims served him alcohol before the collision.
Tanya Votava, as next of friend of minor child Camryn Morales and Chelsea Nix, both children of the late Joe Ignacio Morales, filed a lawsuit April 3 in the Jefferson County District Court against Fonco LLC, doing business as Tequila Rok. The suit alleges violations of the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Code, vicarious liability and gross negligence.
The lawsuit alleges Joe Morales continued to be served alcohol at Tequila Rok, a bar in the Crockett Street Entertainment District in downtown Beaumont, on Oct. 18, after it was apparent he was already intoxicated. He then drove a vehicle and was involved in a vehicle collision, which caused his death, the complaint states.
Votava is seeking damages that include survival damages, exemplary damages, actual damages, pre and post-judgment interest, court costs and any other general relief the court sees fit.
She is being represented by Alton C. Todd of the Law Firm of Alton C. Todd of Friendswood.
According to its Facebook page, Tequila Rok closed permanently on April 12.
Jefferson County District Court Case No. B195-560
This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Jefferson County District Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note that a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it represents only one side of the story.