What is Liquor Liability Law?
Liquor liability (or dram shop) are laws that allow a lawsuit to be filed against an establishment for overserving a visibly intoxicated individual who proceeds to injure or kill someone.
Why Do Liquor Liability Laws Exist?
Liquor liability laws exist because when people drink alcohol, their judgment is affected. People that are serving alcohol do not have their judgment affected so when you are providing people with a substance that can alter someone’s ability to make decisions the server or the seller of the alcohol also has a responsibility. The policy behind liquor liability laws is to motivate businesses serving liquor to put public safety before profitability.
Many states have liquor liability laws. Pennsylvania, where the main office of Marciano Legal is located, handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other neighboring states which have liquor liability laws. There are some states right next to Pennsylvania, namely the state of Delaware, where there are no liquor liability laws.
How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
In order to determine if you have a liquor liability case you have to contact an attorney. Liquor liability cases can be complex and require an investigation to determine if an individual was overserved alcohol while they were visible intoxicated.
An individual can be determined to be visibly intoxicated for a number of reasons. Common signs of a visibly intoxicated individual are:
- Slurred speech
- Glassy eyes
- Strong alcohol smell on someone’s breath
- Stumbling
If you or a loved one was injured by an intoxicated individual contact Marciano Legal. We understand the nuances of liquor liability law and are committed to hold at-fault individuals and establishments responsible.
To learn more about Marciano Legal and our liquor liability attorneys, please feel free to contact us online. You can also dial (215) 515-7743 if you need legal help for a claim of your own in Philadelphia or the surrounding area.
