If you have been injured by someone intoxicated, you may have grounds to file a claim against the bar or restaurant serving them. Often, this is where the need for liquor liability insurance arises.
A dram shop is defined as an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages to people who are already intoxicated. Liquor liability law is a complex area that varies state by state, but knowing what you can do when someone’s negligent actions cause harm is essential.
Social Host Liability
Social host liability is a legal theory that permits hosts of parties and other gatherings to be held accountable if a drunken guest causes harm. It is similar to dram shop laws, which hold businesses responsible for the actions of intoxicated patrons who harm others.
In some states, dram shop liability extends to private homeowners who host events and parties where alcohol is served. Whether a homeowner is liable depends on the circumstances of the case and how it is proven that the homeowner over-served alcohol to someone who became intoxicated.
However, a social host cannot be held liable for injuries caused by alcohol if they knew or should have known that the victim was under age 21. Likewise, they may not be liable if the victim was visibly intoxicated during the party or event.
Dram Shop Liability
Many states have dram shop laws that allow victims of alcohol-related car crashes to sue the bar or establishment that served the intoxicated driver. The rules are intended to strengthen responsibility among those who profit from selling alcoholic beverages.
To prevail in a dram shop case, the plaintiff must prove that the business or party host was negligent. They must also show that the establishment knew or should have known that a patron was intoxicated before serving them more alcohol.
A Wilk Law, LLC attorney familiar with social host and dram shop responsibility principles should be retained. They can work to increase the amount of your settlement.
Pre-Settlement Funding
You can fight for the settlement you deserve with the aid of pre-settlement funding. The strength of your case and the anticipated settlement amount determine how much pre-settlement financing you will receive.
You might be able to hold that company accountable under a state dram shop legislation if you were hurt in an automobile accident as a result of the carelessness of an alcohol seller. These laws allow victims of drunk drivers to file lawsuits against bars, taverns, and other establishments that serve too much alcohol.
It can result in significant compensation for the victim. In addition to medical bills, victims may be able to recover money for property damage. The value of these claims varies based on the severity of the injury and any future medical needs.
Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving
Drunk driving accidents can cause serious, life-altering injuries to victims and their families. These injuries often include amputations.
Usually, personal insurance policies cover these injuries and the cost of treating them. However, you may need more than this to cover your losses.
In such cases, a lawsuit can be brought against the bar or tavern that served an intoxicated patron before they got behind the wheel of their vehicle. It is known as a dram shop liability claim.
Dram shop laws are in place to encourage bars, taverns, and other establishments to serve alcohol responsibly. When they fail to do so, the bars can be held liable for the injuries they cause.