Dram Shop Liability

Dram shop liability is a legal doctrine that makes establishments like liquor stores, bars, or restaurants accountable for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated customers who then harm others. In South Carolina, the state’s dram shop laws address the severe consequences of drunk driving accidents and affect liability in personal injury cases.

The attorneys at Berly Rouse are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents and other accidents arising from dram shop liability. If an intoxicated driver hurt you, we will help you seek compensation for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering from all liable parties.

What Is Dram Shop Liability?

Dram shop liability refers to the responsibility that an establishment, such as a bar or restaurant, holds when they sell alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated. If that person later causes an accident, injuring or killing someone, the establishment can be held liable. This law is intended to discourage businesses from continuing to serve alcohol to patrons who are clearly too impaired to make safe decisions.

How Dram Shop Liability Impacts Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating events that can happen on the road. When a drunk driver causes a collision, the consequences can include serious injuries, property damage, and even wrongful death. South Carolina’s dram shop liability laws allow victims of these accidents, or their families, to hold both the intoxicated driver and the establishment that served them accountable.

For example, if a visibly intoxicated patron is served more alcohol at a bar or restaurant and then gets behind the wheel, causing a crash, the victims of the accident could seek damages from both the driver and the establishment. This dual accountability can help victims receive full compensation for their injuries and losses.

Why You Need a Dram Shop Liability Attorney in Charleston, SC

Handling these cases can be challenging but working with an experienced dram shop liability attorney in Charleston, SC, can strengthen your position. At Berly Rouse, we have the expertise and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.

Our personal injury attorneys understand how to investigate these cases thoroughly to prove liability for the drunk driver and the establishment that served them. We will gather evidence such as witness statements, security footage, and blood alcohol content (BAC) reports to prove that an establishment negligently served alcohol to an intoxicated person.

The Role of Establishments in Preventing Drunk Driving

Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores have a legal obligation not to sell alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals. However, this responsibility is sometimes ignored, leading to tragic consequences. When businesses continue to serve alcohol to impaired patrons, they endanger everyone on the road. Our firm ensures that these businesses are held responsible for their reckless actions.

Our dram shop liability law firm ensures that these establishments face the consequences of their actions. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, or liquor store, if they’ve contributed to a drunk driving accident by negligently serving alcohol, we can help recover damages for your lost income and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected by a Drunk Driving Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, act quickly. Evidence such as receipts, security footage, and witness testimony can degrade or be lost over time. Contacting a dram shop liability lawyer as soon as possible helps preserve this objective documentation and strengthen your case.

At Berly Rouse, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our team of qualified dram shop attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and what to expect.

Why Choose Us?

At Berly Rouse, our commitment to our clients goes beyond just legal representation. We’re dedicated to making our community safer by ensuring that businesses that sell alcoholic beverages to intoxicated patrons are held responsible for the harm they cause.

Our experience in dram shop liability cases and our compassionate approach make us a top choice for those seeking restitution in Charleston, SC. We understand the emotional and financial toll that a drunk driving accident can take, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Take the Next Step: Contact Our Law Firm For a Free Consultation

If you believe you have a dram shop liability case, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Berly Rouse today for a free consultation. Let our experienced team of dram shop lawyers help you reach a resolution that provides you with the compensation you need to move forward.

By understanding your rights and taking action, you can help prevent future tragedies and hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.