Dram Shop

HOLDING ESTABLISHMENTS & VENDORS LIABLE

Dram shop laws hold bars, restaurants, taverns, and other establishments accountable for overserving patrons who then go on to cause alcohol-related injuries or deaths. For example, if a drunk driver causes a catastrophic auto accident leading to bodily injury or death after being overserved by an establishment or vendor, the injured accident victim or the surviving family members of the individual who died may file a lawsuit against the establishment or vendor.

In a situation like this, you need a legal team that is willing to fight for you, one that won’t back down and will even take your case to trial if necessary. At Potts Law Firm, we will stand by you every step of the way. Our dram shop lawyers have extensive experience in this area of law, as well as access to powerful resources and industry experts who can help establish evidence on your behalf. We move quickly when initiating legal action and work efficiently to resolve our clients’ cases.

If you believe you may have a dram shop claim, contact us today at (888) 420-1299 to speak to a member of our team at no cost. We serve clients nationwide.

THE DANGERS OF OVERSERVING ALCOHOL

Alcohol negatively impacts an individual’s coordination, judgment, inhibitions, decision-making abilities, alertness, awareness, and reaction times. As a result, people who are intoxicated are far more likely to cause injury to themselves and others than those who are sober. This is especially true when an intoxicated individual gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

One of the greatest dangers of overserving someone alcohol is the risk of that person driving drunk. While dram shop laws are not specific to drunk driving accidents, most dram shop claims involve injuries or deaths resulting from someone’s drunk driving after being overserved alcohol by a bar, restaurant, establishment, or vendor.

Establishments and vendors that serve alcohol to patrons have a responsibility to recognize the signs of inebriation and avoid serving alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated.

Visible intoxication may look like:

Establishments and vendors that overserve visibly intoxicated patrons not only risk allowing the overserved patron to go on to cause injury; they also risk civil liability.

WHEN DO DRAM SHOP LAWS APPLY?

Although dram shop laws vary somewhat from state to state, most apply in the following circumstances:

Though these claims often involve drunk driving accidents, dram shop laws may apply in any situation in which an overserved patron causes injury or the death of someone else. This includes instances involving assault, battery, and other acts of violence, including unintentional bodily injury or harm.

WHO CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR DAMAGES UNDER DRAM SHOP LAWS?

Liability under dram shop laws varies from state to state. That being said, these laws generally apply to various establishments and vendors that serve alcohol for immediate consumption.

Examples include:

Note that dram shop laws do not apply to liquor stores, grocery stores, and other establishments that sell alcohol not meant for immediate consumption.

Additionally, some states have “social host” laws. These laws hold individuals liable for providing alcohol to minors (those under the age of 21) in private settings, such as parties, when the intoxicated minor goes on to cause injury or death.

TYPES OF DAMAGES IN DRAM SHOP CASES

People who are injured or who lose loved ones due to drunk driving accidents and other alcohol-related incidents may be entitled to financial compensation for their damages, or the losses they have endured as a result of the accident/incident. In addition to holding the intoxicated individual accountable, you could have a dram shop claim against an establishment or vendor.

The exact damages you can recover in a dram shop liability claim depend on the specifics of your case, but may include:

If your loved one tragically passed away due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of an intoxicated individual, you could be entitled to wrongful death damages. These may include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, lost inheritance, and loss of love, support, companionship, and more.

HOW THE DRAM SHOP LAWYERS AT POTTS LAW FIRM CAN HELP?

We are ready to take your call and discuss your potential case with you at no cost. Our experienced dram shop lawyers have earned the respect of their peers, their clients, and local courts for their tireless approach to negotiation, litigation, and trying cases. We are known for resolving cases quickly and have a long, proven track record of success in this area of law.

With multiple offices in several states, Potts Law Firm serves clients nationwide. We are dedicated to protecting victims’ rights and holding liable parties accountable for the immense harm and suffering they cause. Reach out to our firm today to learn how we can help you with your dram shop claim.

Call (888) 420-1299 or reach us online via our secure contact form. There are no costs for you unless we win your case.

At Potts Law Firm, we believe the details of your case matter and we work tirelessly to pursue just compensation on your behalf. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff are backed with the resources they need to win regardless of the obstacles your case faces. We do this all while keeping an open line of communication with you.

For assistance from our experienced legal team, please contact us online or call (888) 420-1299 today.

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