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Friday, October 11, 2013
What Are Dram Shop Laws?
One area of case law that has developed rapidly over the
last few decades is the concept of liquor vendor liability. In other words, how
much responsibility does a bar or liquor store carry if they sell alcohol to a
customer and the customer then hurts someone else in an accident caused by his
intoxication?
Dram shop laws are attempts to codify this responsibility.
They vary by state, and can be difficult to parse. The accident lawyers
at The Cochran Firm understand the precise legal language governing dram shop
laws in their states.
Generally speaking, proving negligence under a state dram
shop law requires demonstrating that the individual was noticeably intoxicated
when the establishment served him alcohol. The exact meaning of “noticeably intoxicated”
varies by state.
There are peculiarities to all of these laws. In Texas, for
example, those under the age of 21 can actually sue the establishment that sold
them alcohol in order to recover damages for injuries they suffered while
intoxicated. However, the state also provides dram shop immunity (or “safe
harbor”) for establishments that require their employees to attend a “seller
training program.”
The accident lawyers at The Cochran Firm will be able to
determine if you have a claim under your state’s dram shop law.
If you’ve been hurt and you need an experienced accident
lawyer to help you pursue justice and compensation, please contact The Cochran
Firm today for a free consultation.
posted by Admin at 2:31 AM
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