What This Page Covers:

 

  • Dram Shop Liability: In Texas, bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held legally responsible if they serve alcohol to patrons who subsequently cause harm to others, such as in drunk driving accidents.
  • Establishing Liability: To establish dram shop liability, one must prove the establishment owed a duty of care, breached that duty, the breach caused injuries, and economic losses resulted from the incident.
  • Legal Assistance: Dram shop liability lawyers handle dram shop liability claims by managing paperwork, communicating with other parties, gathering evidence, and providing strategic advice tailored to each case.
  • Client Benefits: We provide our clients with comprehensive legal support, which reduces stress, saves time, and aims to secure full compensation for losses, injuries, and suffering.

 

In Texas, the term “dram shop liability” is the legal responsibility of establishments when serving alcohol to patrons who subsequently cause harm to others. Understanding dram shop liability is essential for both business owners and individuals, as it plays a significant role in preventing alcohol-related accidents and injuries. But when you work with an Austin dram shop liability lawyer, you can better navigate the legal landscape surrounding alcohol service and ensure safer practices in your community.

A dram shop liability attorney from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP can help you in many ways if you have been hurt by a negligent alcohol seller. You may also be entitled to compensation if you suspect an alcohol retailer was partially responsible, such as when you get into a car accident involving an overserved driver. Please reach out to our team if you are interested in retaining legal support and want to obtain financial recovery for your losses and injuries. We at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP can support you in many ways through this challenging time.

What Is the Definition of Dram Shop Liability in Texas?

Under Texas law, a “dram shop” is any establishment that serves alcohol to individuals. Dram shops include locations like bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels, and taverns. However, liability for these establishments generally refers to any individuals who might have been overserved, including those who are under the legal drinking age.

If an establishment provides drinks to anyone visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age, the alcohol seller may be at least partially responsible for any subsequent consequences. For example, if an overserved individual causes harm or injury to others due to being overserved, legal action can be taken against the dram shop by any victims. One common occurrence of harm due to overconsumption of alcohol is a drunk driving accident, though other instances may also apply.

How Is Liability Determined in a Dram Shop Liability Claim?

In a dram shop liability claim, fault and responsibility for compensation are determined through four key elements. These factors are present in most personal injury claims and include the following:

You Were Owed a Duty of Care

Dram shops generally owe a duty of care related to serving alcohol. In particular, an establishment that serves alcohol is responsible for hiring and training individuals who take the necessary steps to prevent overserving, including asking for photo ID or refusing service to those who are slurring words.

Someone Broke Duty of Care

By breaking duty of care, a dram shop is considered negligent. Acting negligently can quickly increase the risk of bodily harm to patrons, innocent parties, or imbibers.

Negligence Resulted in Injuries or Bodily Harm

You must demonstrate that someone’s negligent behavior directly harmed you or another victimized party. Causation can be proved with medical paperwork, especially those from shortly after an incident.

You Face Economic Losses Due to the Incident

You can receive compensation for related losses. Economic damages make it easier to file a claim and qualify for damages, including medical bills or lost wages.

Dram shop liability claims are typically handled by dram shop liability lawyers, such as those at Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP. We encourage you to work with a dram shop liability attorney at our firm if you need assistance demonstrating your claim, as we can simplify the processes related to receiving complete and fair compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Support You During Your Dram Shop Liability Claim?

If you want to take legal action against those responsible for your injuries, we encourage you to work with a qualified Austin dram shop liability attorney. In cases where you suspect a dram shop is liable, we encourage you to work with a dram shop liability lawyer with experience in dram shop liability.

When you work with a dram shop liability attorney from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, you can retain invaluable support in the following areas:

 

  • Paperwork is filed and completed accurately and on time
  • Communication with other parties on your behalf
  • Referrals to helpful medical professionals
  • Independent investigations
  • Collection and analysis of evidence
  • Connection to helpful professionals, witnesses, and other personnel
  • Familiarity with local court personnel in cases where trials are necessary
  • Recommendations for next steps and strategies tailored to your circumstances
  • Negotiation power for complete and fair compensation
  • Review damages and determine the total value of your claim

 

We encourage you to refrain from representing yourself during your complex dram shop liability claim, as self-representation often results in less-than-fair financial recovery. 

But when you work with a dram shop liability lawyer from Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP, you can face reduced stress, spend less time in litigation, and obtain complete compensation for your losses, injuries, and suffering. Please get in touch with us at your convenience to schedule a free consultation and retain outstanding legal support.

Hurt Because Someone Was Overserved? Get Complete Compensation With Support From a Dram Shop Liability Attorney

If you have been injured due to the negligence of an alcohol-serving establishment, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP may be able to assist you in pursuing a dram shop liability claim. Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases and can provide you with the legal support needed to seek compensation. We handle everything from filing paperwork accurately and on time to negotiating with other parties on your behalf.

Working with Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson LLP means you benefit from our comprehensive approach, which includes independent investigations, evidence collection, and strategic recommendations tailored to your situation. Our familiarity with local court personnel and negotiation aims to achieve fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Reach out to us today at (512) 454-3751 or through our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can support you during this challenging time.