Dram Shop
Advocating for Justice: Holding Bars and Restaurants Accountable for Irresponsible Service of Alcohol
Dram Shop Cases
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver or assaulted by a drunk bar patron, you may be aware that you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver or assailant to seek compensation for your injuries. However, did you know that you may also be able to hold the bar or restaurant that served the alcohol responsible for your injuries? These types of cases are called “dram shop cases,” and they can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you may be able to recover the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a drunk driver or a negligent bar ruin your life. If you have been injured in an alcohol-related incident, contact us today to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What is a Dram Shop Case?
In New York, a dram shop case is a lawsuit brought against a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that serves alcohol to a patron who then causes an accident and injures someone else. Under New York law, bars and restaurants have a legal obligation to not serve alcohol to someone who is “visibly intoxicated.” If the establishment continues to serve alcohol to a patron who is visibly intoxicated, and that patron causes an accident that injures someone else, the injured party may be able to hold the establishment liable for their injuries.
Examples of dram shop cases include:
- A bar continues to serve alcohol to a patron who is visibly drunk, and that patron causes a car accident that injures someone else.
- A bar continues to serve alcohol to a patron who is visibly drunk, and that patron assaults someone.
- A restaurant serves alcohol to a minor, and that minor causes an accident that injures someone else.
- A bartender serves alcohol to a patron who is known to be an alcoholic, and that patron causes an accident that injures someone else.
If you have been injured in an alcohol-related incident and are looking for guidance, look no further than our examples of dram shop cases. These real-life scenarios illustrate the various ways in which bars and restaurants can be held accountable for their role in alcohol-related injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you seek justice.
Proving Liability in a Dram Shop Case
- To win a dram shop case, the injured party must prove that the bar or restaurant was negligent in serving alcohol to the patron who caused the accident or assault. This can be difficult, as bars and restaurants will often dispute that the patron was visibly intoxicated or that they continued to serve alcohol to the patron after they became visibly intoxicated.
To prove liability, the injured party may need to present evidence such as:
- Eyewitness testimony of the patron’s behavior and level of intoxication.
- Surveillance footage of the patron at the establishment.
- Receipts or credit card statements showing how much alcohol was served to the patron.
- Testimony from bartenders, waitstaff, or managers at the establishment.
The injured party may also need to prove that the patron’s intoxication was a direct cause of the accident that resulted in their injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you gather the evidence you need to seek justice.
Why You Need an Experienced Dram Shop Attorney
Dram shop cases can be complex, and it can be difficult to prove liability without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney who is experienced in dram shop cases can help you gather the evidence you need to prove liability, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver or bar patron, it is important to contact BRUNO SERPICO as soon as possible. We can help you determine if you have a dram shop case and guide you through the legal process to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver or bar patron, don’t go through it alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at BRUNO SERPICO can help you navigate the complexities of dram shop cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and hold the responsible parties accountable.