Drunk drivers are one of the greatest dangers on our roads and highways, causing accidents that often cause serious injuries to themselves and others. While they are legally responsible for the harm they cause, their insurance and other assets may not be sufficient to fully compensate their victims. However, in Pennsylvania, there are laws imposing responsibility on businesses that sell alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons.
If you have been injured by an intoxicated person, whether in a car collision or in another type of accident, The Pagano Law Firm LLC can help you determine if a bar or liquor establishment owner is liable for your injuries and, if so, bring what is known as a “dram shop” claim against them to recover damages.
Under Pennsylvania law, a business that sells alcohol is liable for any injuries caused by a “visibly intoxicated” person to whom it served alcohol. That means that a customer must be cut off from further service as soon as they appear inebriated. Failure to do so makes the establishment liable for any harm caused by the customer’s drunkenness, whether in car accident, a trip and fall or even a bar fight. A bar or restaurant can also be liable for serving alcohol to a person who is under 21 years of age, “insane,” a “habitual drunkard” or a “of unknown untempered habits.”
An intoxicated patron can cause injuries to innocent victims in any of several ways, such as:
If you or your loved one has been injured by an intoxicated person, we can investigate the circumstances and determine if a bar, restaurant or other establishment are potentially liable under the dram shop law. If so, we can bring suit against both the intoxicated individual and the owner or owners of the business who improperly served them.
The Pagano Law Firm LLC is ready to bring a dram shop case against bars and other liquor vendors in Pennsylvania who endanger other people by irresponsibly serving intoxicated customers. Please call us at 484-318-2561 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our office in Media. We offer free consultations in personal injury cases.