The family of a 23-year-old University of Minnesota student is suing an area bar for the 2011 hit-and-run accident that killed their son.
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in June by the family of Ben Van Handel, who was killed in the accident by the intoxicated Timothy Bakdash.
The Library Bar and Grill is accused of serving alcohol to Bakdash when it was allegedly obvious that he was intoxicated and should not have been served. After being served at the bar, Bakdash drove his car in the wrong direction of a one-way street and struck three pedestrians. Van Handel was killed and the other two were injured.
Backdash, 30, was convicted of second-degree murder and is currently serving a 40-year sentence at the Stillwater-based Minnesota Correctional Facility.
The Van Handles allege that the accident that occurred on April 15, 2011 was the direct result of the Library Bar and Grill serving alcohol to Bakdash, adding to his level of intoxication. The level of intoxication then led Bakdash to drive his vehicle in a negligent and dangerous manner. The family is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. The bar is also facing a personal injury lawsuit from Sarah Bagley, another one of the pedestrians injured in the accident. Bagley sued both Bakdash and his mother, who was the owner of the car. In September, the case was delayed due to Bakdash’s criminal trial. Bagley then amended the lawsuit to include the Library Bar and Grill as a defendant. She is also asking for over $50,000 in compensation for her injuries.
The Library Bar and Grill denies any responsibility and is asking for the dismissal of both cases.
