If you or a loved one have been hurt by a drunk driver, it may be possible to seek damages, not just from the driver, but also from the establishment that served them alcohol.
You can hire a personal injury lawyer in Wetumpka, AL to assist with your case if you or a loved one has been injured in a case involving an intoxicated person.
There are laws that protect you in these types of cases.
What Is Dram Shop?
Dram shop is a legal term which refers to establishments such as bars or taverns that serve alcoholic beverages.
Dram shop liability simply refers to the laws which make these establishments partly responsible in these types of cases. These laws are intended to protect you, and discourage these bars and taverns from serving alcohol in an inappropriate manner. Serving alcohol to minors, and serving alcohol to those that are obviously inebriated are examples of cases where a bar or tavern might be held liable.
When Could Such an Establishment Be Held Liable?
Many bars and taverns have their own rules as to how they handle their guests. Obviously, their guests are there to consume alcoholic beverages, but most bars do not take lightly their responsibility to watch over their guests. Generally, these establishments have rules that prevent them from serving additional alcohol to a guest that is visibly intoxicated, for example.
A business such as this could be held liable, however, if they do serve alcohol to a minor or a visibly intoxicated person, who then injures someone else.
In order for the case to be won, the person bringing the case against the business must be able to show that the business served alcohol to this person. They must also be able to present evidence that the business served alcohol to the individual when they knew, or should have known they were impaired. Additionally, they must also be able to show that the business had knowledge that the impaired individual intended to drive.
If, for instance, the business called a taxi for the intoxicated party and saw them enter that taxi, it might be difficult to pursue that case. In this example, the business acted responsibly by preventing the intoxicated party from driving.
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
If you suspect that the party who injured you or your loved one was served alcohol at a place of business, it might be worth looking into the case further.
For various reasons, it can be difficult to prove that the business establishment is at fault, but a personal injury lawyer can help you look into the case. Visit Courtneymann.net for more information.
