Drunk patron wins case against Hotel

A man who was injured after falling from a hotel roof while “grossly intoxicated” was awarded costs and $127,703 in damages (after a 50% deduction for contributory negligence). NSW Supreme Court Justice David Kirby found for Douglas Freudenstein, known as ‘Fruity’, who claimed damages for personal injuries sustained in a fall from the Mona Vale Hotel’s roof which was undergoing renovations. The judge found that the safety breaches by the builder and hotel had put all patrons, including those affected by alcohol, at risk. However, because the claimant had been “grossly intoxicated”, he had put himself at risk and was to blame for the accident. (NSWSC, Freudenstein v Marhop & Ors, Read the full proceedings here: 724/2010)

Tagged as: Hospitality