Dram Shop Liability Lawyer in Gettysburg
Gettysburg has its fair share of clubs, bars, taverns, lounges, and restaurants that serve alcohol, and drunk driving is a serious concern. In fact, drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic deaths across Adams County, which makes the matter of dram shop liability of primary importance. Dram shop liability laws help hold those who over-serve their patrons responsible for the damage that results. Our experienced Gettysburg dram shop liability lawyers {:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”} welcome the opportunity to help you.
Dram Shops and Drunk Driving
A dram shop is simply an establishment that serves beer, wine, cocktails, or shots. The old-fashioned name harkens back to when taverns throughout England sold liquor by the dram, which is a form of measurement.
It is common knowledge that drinking and driving puts everyone at risk, and it commonly leads to very serious accidents and injuries. If you are injured in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, you can hold them liable for your covered losses in a car accident claim.
If the Gettysburg establishment where the driver was drinking prior to the accident did not live up to its responsibilities, you may also have a dram shop liability claim. Not every state has a dram shop liability law on the books, but Pennsylvania does.
The Business’s Responsibility
The crux of all dram shop liability claims is that the business in question served alcohol to a customer who should not have been served, which means they exhibited clear signs of intoxication or were under the legal drinking age. Prime examples of clear intoxication include:
- Glassy or bloodshot eyes
- Slurred speech
- Incoherent speech
- Difficulty completing sentences or thoughts
- Slowed reaction times
- Loss of overall coordination
- Trouble executing fine motor control
- Stumbling or falling down when attempting to walk
- A distinct change in behavior
Dram shop claims are not specifically based on the number of drinks served. Instead, they are predicated on whether the customer was visibly intoxicated when they were served at least one drink. A customer’s drink tally can, however, play an important role in terms of evidence that supports liability.
It should also be noted that if the customer doing the drinking is underage, it is not necessary to prove that they were visibly intoxicated. It is illegal for those under the age of 21 to drink, so any service qualifies as dram shop liability.
Our Experienced Dram Shop Liability Attorneys Are Standing By to Help
Our capable Gettysburg dram shop liability lawyers at DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C. have earned an impressive reputation for guiding dram shop liability claims toward advantageous resolutions that allow our valued clients to regain their health and well-being to the fullest extent possible. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t put off reaching out for more information by contacting us online or giving us a call at 717-496-0070 today.