How Do Dram Shop Laws Impact Drunk Driving Injury Claims?

 Posted on October 14, 2024 in Personal Injury

Under Connecticut law, establishments that sell alcohol can sometimes be held responsible for the damages caused by drunk patrons. These are referred to as dram shop laws (named after a unit of measurement used for liquor). If a drunk driver causes injury, dram shop laws make it possible to not only hold the driver liable for damages but also the bar, club, or restaurant that served the driver the alcohol.

This article will explore dram shop laws and how they impact drunk driving injury claims. If you are injured by an intoxicated driver, contact an experienced Connecticut drunk driving injury attorney.

What Is Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act?

Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act makes an establishment liable if it serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron and that patron then causes damage. It is designed to make sure bars, clubs, and restaurants distribute liquor responsibly and safely. Victims who have been injured by a drunk person who was sold alcohol may be able to claim up to $250,000 for damages from a dram shop.

How Does the Dram Shop Act Affect Drunk Driving Injury Claims?

Drunk drivers sometimes cause damage to property, serious injuries, and even death. Someone who has suffered damage or injury because of a drunk driver may be entitled to claim compensation for damages. The Dram Shop Act makes it possible to also pursue the establishment that sold liquor to the drunk driver for compensation in addition to collecting restitution from the driver.

How Can I Prove a Dram Shop Claim?

Bringing a successful dram shop claim requires evidence to support the fact that the establishment is responsible for the driver’s over-intoxication. You will need to prove the following three elements:

• The establishment sold alcohol to the driver. Evidence like timestamps and receipts can help show that the driver purchased liquor from the bar or restaurant in question.
• The driver was already visibly intoxicated. Camera footage may show that the driver was already drunk when he was served alcohol. You may also consider bringing testimony from witnesses and other patrons.
• The driver’s intoxication caused the injury or damage for which you are claiming compensation. Evidence for this can include dashcam footage, police reports, insurance claims, medical bills, and more.

Dram shops may deny liability by claiming they were not aware the patron was drunk because the intoxication was not visible. This can be a significant challenge to your claim, which is why it is important to hire a skilled and aggressive attorney who will investigate the matter and gather as much evidence as possible.

Contact a Greenwich, CT Drunk Driving Injury Attorney

Dram shop laws provide another financial resource to drunk driving injury victims who have suffered damages. Bringing a dram shop claim, however, is a complex undertaking that should be handled by a New York Metro Area personal injury lawyer. At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, our attorneys have extensive skill and experience in personal injury law and are committed to helping you collect the most compensation possible. Schedule a free consultation by calling [[phone] today.