Drunk driving can result in traffic accidents that cause injuries and fatalities. A drunk driver can face criminal charges for a DUI accident, but the driver may also be held liable for injuries and damages caused by a drunk driving accident.
Under Pennsylvania’s liquor liability laws, the establishment or person who served the drunk driver before the accident may also be held liable for damages caused by a DUI accident. However, holding a third party liable for damages caused by a drunk driver can be a complicated process. Working with our experienced Philadelphia dram shop liability lawyers at Pansini Law Group can make the process easier for you and increase your chance of recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact us online for a free consultation.
What is the Dram Shop Liquor Liability Law?
A “dram shop” is a restaurant, nightclub, bar, or other establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol. Other businesses licensed to sell alcohol may also be considered a dram shop, such as licensed bar services, private party facilities, and catering businesses.
If a dram shop serves alcohol to a visibly drunk person, the establishment can be held liable if the person causes damage to property or injury to persons after leaving the establishment.
Proving liability under Pennsylvania’s liquor liability laws requires that you prove:
The liquor establishment through its employees or agents served or sold alcohol to an intoxicated person; AND,
The intoxication of that person was a proximate reason why the victim was injured.
Once you prove the legal elements for a liquor liability claim, the establishment can be held liable for your damages. You can recover additional compensation that might not have been available in a lawsuit against the drunk driver.
Leading the Way in Liquor Liability Claims in Philadelphia
At the Pansini Law Group, we are dedicated to making our streets safe for everyone. Sometimes that means holding establishments accountable when they break the law.
In liquor liability cases, our legal team seeks to discourage the negligent party and other parties from repeating the mistakes that lead to a tragic DUI accident.
Pansini Law Group understands how to handle dram shop cases. Our attorneys have the experience, skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to stand up to large corporations and their insurance providers. You do not need to worry about the legal questions or how to fight defendants with seemingly endless resources. We take care of that for you.
Our Philadelphia liquor liability lawyers are aggressive advocates for our clients. We are not afraid of taking a matter to court because we are successful trial lawyers, in addition to highly effective and skilled negotiators. Whether it is inside or outside of the courtroom, you have a passionate legal team protecting your rights and best interests.
Your Time Is Limited – Do Not Wait to Contact an Attorney
Pennsylvania has a Statute of Limitations for dram shop claims. A Statute of Limitations is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If you do not file your lawsuit before the deadline set by the statute, you are generally barred from pursuing legal action against a defendant.
In most cases, a victim has two years from the date of the car accident to file a dram shop lawsuit. There are some exceptions. For example, if the claim involves a government employee or entity, you must provide notice of your intent to pursue a lawsuit within six months from the date of injury or lose your right to pursue a claim.
It is generally best to meet with a Philadelphia dram shop liability lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your claim. Our Pennsylvania DUI accident attorneys handle your claim against the drunk driver and any claim that you might have against an establishment or other party for violating the state’s liquor liability laws.
Call Our Philadelphia Liquor Liability Claims Attorney Now for More Information
DUI accidents can result in catastrophic personal injuries and substantial financial damages. The drunk driver may only carry minimum car insurance coverage. If the driver does not have sufficient resources to pay a claim, you may not receive fair compensation for your personal injury claim.
Our Philadelphia liquor liability attorneys investigate every avenue of recovery in a DUI accident case, including pursuing a dram shop claim against the establishment that served the drunk driver. Let us help you hold all the parties responsible for your injuries accountable for their wrongdoing and negligence.
Call (215) 732-5555 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury case.