Legal Claims for Drink Spiking, Contaminated Beverages, and Overdose Injuries
If you or a loved one suffered a drug overdose or reaction after consuming a contaminated drink at a nightclub, bar, or restaurant, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Texas law. These incidents are more common than many realize—and often result from negligent security, poor handling procedures, or deliberate criminal conduct.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we help victims of spiked drinks, contaminated beverages, and drug overdoses hold negligent businesses accountable.
Types of Drink-Related Injury Claims We Handle
We represent clients harmed by:
| Incident Type | Description |
| Improper storage/handling | Intentionally placing drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, or MDMA into a drink—often for assault or robbery |
| Contaminated beverages | Foreign substances or toxic cleaning chemicals accidentally served in place of drinks |
| Overdose due to over-service | Serving visibly intoxicated patrons or mixing dangerous substances |
| Intentionally placing drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, or MDMA into a drink, often for assault or robbery | Drinks tainted by spoiled ingredients, mold, or unsafe sanitation practices |
| Intentional poisoning or assault | Targeted tampering by employees, patrons, or third parties with criminal intent |
These incidents are not just criminal acts—they also create a civil right to compensation.
Signs You May Have a Legal Case
You may have a viable claim if:
- You became violently ill or unconscious shortly after consuming a drink
- You experienced memory loss, disorientation, or confusion
- You required hospitalization, detox, or overdose treatment
- Lab results showed drugs like benzodiazepines, ketamine, or opioids
- Witnesses saw someone tamper with your drink
- The business had no or poor security, didn’t check bags, or failed to intervene
Even if criminal charges aren’t filed, a civil lawsuit can still move forward—and often provides victims with answers and justice.
Who May Be Liable for Drug or Beverage Injuries?
| Party | Basis for Liability |
| Nightclub, bar, or restaurant | Premises liability for failing to secure drinks, staff, or patrons |
| Bartenders or servers | Negligent drink handling, over-serving, or spiking |
| Property owner | Inadequate lighting, surveillance, or staff training |
| Security company | Failure to monitor behavior, protect patrons, or respond to reports |
| Drink manufacturer or distributor | If packaging defects or contaminants cause injury |
We investigate scene footage, transaction records, toxicology reports, and witness statements to build a strong claim based on negligence or deliberate misconduct.
Common Injuries from Contaminated or Drugged Beverages
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Acute intoxication and alcohol poisoning
- Internal organ damage
- Brain damage from hypoxia (oxygen deprivation)
- PTSD, depression, and emotional trauma
- Sexual assault or robbery linked to intoxication
- Death from overdose or toxic ingestion
We partner with toxicologists, ER physicians, and trauma counselors to document your injuries and long-term impact.
Damages You May Be Entitled To
- Hospital and detox bills
- Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and career disruption
- Psychiatric care (for assault or trauma)
- Wrongful death benefits for the surviving family
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross misconduct)
We pursue every available remedy under Texas civil law.
What to Do If You Suspect You Were Drugged or Served a Contaminated Drink
- Get emergency medical care and ask for a toxicology screen
- Save the drink or bottle, if possible, for testing
- Write down everything you remember before and after
- Report the incident to management and the police
- Get copies of your medical records and incident reports
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to insurers
Time is critical—video footage, drink samples, and witness memories fade quickly.
Why Choose Williford Law?
At Williford Law, PLLC, we’re committed to helping victims of drink-related injury and poisoning. We understand the legal nuances of dram shop liability, negligent security, and third-party assaults, and we treat every case with the urgency it deserves.
We offer:
- A trauma-informed, confidential legal team
- Experience with nightclub, bar, and restaurant injury claims
- Expert toxicology and security consultants
- No fee unless we win
