If you have ever been to a bar, you have likely seen someone who has had a little too much to drink. Hopefully, you have also seen a bartender decline to serve someone who appeared visibly drunk. But did you know that the bartender has a duty not to serve a visibly intoxicated patron?
Dram shop liability dictates that a bar, liquor store or another establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron may be liable for that party’s actions if they cause injury to another party. In Pennsylvania, the dram shop laws also apply to social events where a host knowingly serves alcohol to a person under 21 if that person then injures somebody.
What does dram shop law mean for your personal injury case?
Under Pennsylvania’s dram shop law, business or individual who serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person is legally responsible for any damage that person might cause.
The dram shop law is applicable in many situations such as when a visibly intoxicated patron is served and then assaults others, injures other patrons in or outside of the bar, and even if the intoxicated person hurts himself. Usually, application of the dram shop law occurs when a visibly intoxicated person who continued to be served by a restaurant, bar, or bartender causes a serious motor vehicle accident. But what does an injured person have to prove under Pennsylvania’s dram shop law?
To successfully sue under the dram shop law, you must be able to show two key points:
- The establishment served a person alcohol, and that person was visibly intoxicated at the time. Indications that the person was visibly intoxicated include slurring words, difficulty maintaining balance, and other typical signs.
- The establishment serving alcohol to that person led to that person’s actions, such as causing a car accident.
Cordisco & Saile LLC Can Hold Negligent Bar Owners Responsible for Overserving
Accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol are often dangerous. Victims of DUI accidents often face substantial medical bills and recovery time. It is important to find an attorney that understands Pennsylvania’s dram shop laws, and can get you the most to compensate for your injuries. Do not let a restaurant, bar, or bartender escape liability for the injuries you suffered.
Talk to Cordisco & Saile LLC. A car accident attorney can review the circumstances of your case to determine if a bar or restaurant may be liable for your injuries as well as prove the main elements of a car accident claim.
