Jury Awards $5M to Woman Who Lost Arm in Drunk Driving Accident

The 99 Restaurant chain has been ordered to pay $5 million to a Quincy, Massachusetts woman who lost in her arm in a drunk driving accident.

The Essex Superior Court jury on Thursday found that the chain’s North Andover facility served the equivalent of 11 12-ounce beers to an off-duty employee who later drove the car in which Laurie Clifford was a passenger.

Clifford’s right arm was nearly severed in the May 2003 crash and was eventually amputated.

The order includes $3.2 million in damages and $1.8 million in interest.

The driver, David Kvinlaug of Haverhill, served 90 days in jail after pleading guilty to drunken driving.

There was no immediate comment from the restaurant, but officials previously said Clifford got into Kvinlaug’s car knowing he was intoxicated.

Latest Comments

• December 31, 2009 at 3:02 am

  I'nJusKidding says:

  I'd give my right arm to have an attorney that good!!
• December 31, 2009 at 1:30 am

  Laurie says:

  Not surprised someone should look into this situation. This girl is a natural born liar.... I know her and ask her boyfriends and the wife and kids of one of her so called boy... read more
• November 17, 2008 at 12:27 pm

  Reality Check says:

  You hit the nail on the head. I don't have to defend my position on the new administration, you just did.