Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Greer

When a night out ends in tragedy due to a drunk driving accident, the responsibility may extend beyond the driver—bars, restaurants, or other establishments that overserve alcohol can also be held accountable under South Carolina’s dram shop laws. At Langley Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences these incidents can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured because of an intoxicated individual who was unlawfully served alcohol, our dram shop liability lawyer in Greer is here to help you pursue justice and compensation. Call us today at (864) 667-6144 for a free consultation and find out how we can fight for your rights.

Understanding Dram Shop Liability in Greer

In Greer, as in many parts of the country, dram shop liability holds alcohol-serving establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to individuals who are already visibly intoxicated, leading to harm or injury. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, or even a private event venue, these businesses can be held responsible for their role in the chain of events that leads to accidents, including car crashes, assaults, and other injuries caused by intoxicated individuals.

When most people think about personal injury cases, they usually focus on the actions of the person directly responsible for the harm. However, under South Carolina’s dram shop laws, a business that serves alcohol to someone who is visibly drunk can also be held legally accountable. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone who was overserved, or if a loved one was hurt due to the negligence of an alcohol-serving establishment, it’s important to understand how dram shop liability works and how it might impact your case.

What Does Dram Shop Liability Mean?

Dram shop liability refers to the legal responsibility of bars, restaurants, taverns, or any other establishments that serve alcohol to customers. If a business serves alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated and that person later causes an accident or injury, the establishment may be held liable for damages under dram shop laws.

South Carolina’s dram shop law focuses on the idea that certain businesses have a duty to not overserve alcohol to patrons who are visibly intoxicated. This is important because an intoxicated person can pose a danger to themselves and others. The law seeks to deter businesses from contributing to these dangerous situations by holding them accountable when they ignore this duty.

What Are the Requirements for Dram Shop Liability?

To pursue a dram shop liability case in Greer, the injured party must prove that the alcohol-serving establishment violated the law by serving a visibly intoxicated individual. There are several factors to consider when determining whether an establishment can be held responsible for a drunk driver’s actions:

1. The intoxicated individual’s level of impairment – The individual must be visibly intoxicated when served alcohol. In some cases, this can be difficult to prove without witnesses or surveillance footage, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence.

2. The establishment’s duty of care – Bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving venues have a duty to their patrons and the general public. This duty includes monitoring how much alcohol is served to each individual and ensuring they don’t become overly intoxicated.

3. The direct connection between overserving and the incident – There needs to be a clear link between the establishment’s actions (overserving alcohol) and the incident (such as a car accident or injury). For example, if the intoxicated person who caused an accident was served alcohol at the bar, it’s necessary to prove that the overserving played a role in their impairment.

Examples of Dram Shop Liability Cases

Dram shop liability is most often associated with drunk driving accidents, but it can apply to other types of incidents as well. Here are a few examples of how dram shop liability might come into play:

• Drunk driving accidents – A person who leaves a bar or restaurant after drinking too much may get behind the wheel of a car, putting others at risk of serious injury or death. If the business continued serving alcohol to that person even though they were visibly intoxicated, it could be held responsible for the accident.

• Assaults – In some cases, a drunk individual may become violent after drinking too much. If the person who was overserved injures another individual, the bar or restaurant that served the alcohol could be held liable.

• Injuries on the premises – If an intoxicated person becomes injured on the business’s premises, such as falling or getting into a fight, the establishment may be held liable for failing to stop serving alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated.

How Can You Prove a Dram Shop Liability Case?

Proving dram shop liability isn’t always straightforward, as it involves several factors. If you’re pursuing a claim against an establishment for serving alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, here are some key elements to consider:

1. Witness testimony – Witnesses who saw the intoxicated person at the bar or restaurant can provide helpful testimony. This might include bartenders, servers, or even other patrons who observed the individual’s behavior before they were served alcohol.

2. Surveillance footage – Many establishments have surveillance cameras that record the actions of patrons. If there’s footage showing the person in question drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, it can be a valuable piece of evidence.

3. The individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) – In many cases, the BAC of the person who caused the accident can be used as evidence. If their BAC was above the legal limit, it may support the claim that they were overserved at the establishment.

4. The history of the establishment – The establishment’s record of prior violations can also be useful in proving negligence. If the business has a history of overserving alcohol, it may demonstrate a pattern of irresponsible behavior.

What Are Your Rights Under Dram Shop Liability?

If you’ve been injured due to an accident involving an intoxicated driver or other individual, you may have the right to pursue a claim against the alcohol-serving establishment. Compensation in these cases can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.

However, the process of pursuing a dram shop liability claim can be complex. You’ll need to prove that the establishment’s negligence directly contributed to your injury. This is why it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the nuances of dram shop law and can help build a strong case on your behalf.

Pursuing Justice Under Dram Shop Liability in Greer

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver, holding the establishment that overserved alcohol accountable is a crucial step toward justice. At Langley Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims navigate the complexities of dram shop liability cases in Greer. Our team of experienced lawyers will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—contact us today at (864) 667-6144 for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.