A “dram shop” is an establishment that sells or serves alcohol. Dram shop liability applies to any place that serves alcoholic beverages including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and liquor stores. Those serving alcohol to persons who are already visibly intoxicated may be legally responsible if that person subsequently causes a car accident or otherwise injures or kills another person or himself.
If you or a loved one was hurt because alcohol was served to them or another when they were visibly intoxicated, you have legal options. A Lexington, Kentucky dram shop lawyer from Golden Law Office can help you with your case. An experienced attorney can make the difference in your claim and get you a favorable settlement.
Kentucky Dram Shop Law
Kentucky has clear dram shop laws that will hold an alcohol vendor accountable for serving an intoxicated person when a reasonable vendor would have realized this person should no longer be served. Continuing to serve an intoxicated person increases their chances of hurting themselves or someone else.
How to Spot Signs of Intoxication
Dram shop law can be complicated because alcohol vendors are held liable when patrons are visibly intoxicated and they continue to serve them drinks. But when constitutes visibly intoxicated? These are common signs that someone has consumed a lot of alcohol and should no longer be served drinks:
- Slurred Speech
- Impaired Judgment
- Difficulty Walking or Maintaining Balance
- Can’t Finish a Sentence
- Visibly Slower Reaction Times
- Glassy Eyes
If someone in a bar is exhibiting these behaviors, no bartender should serve them drinks because they’re now a danger to themselves and others. The establishment may even consider removing the intoxicated person from the premises because they’re a liability. They could trip, fall and injure themselves or the people around them. At this point, the establishment should call them a cab if they’re unable to do so, or tell their group of friends to take the person and go.
Get Help from a Lexington Dram Shop Lawyer
Cases involving dram shop liability are complex. At Golden Law Office we previously defended national restaurant franchises, local bars, and liquor stores across Kentucky that were accused of dram shop liability. Now, we are here to represent victims whose injury was caused by the over-service of alcohol. Developing proof in a dram shop case is not easy and witness statements are often vital. Therefore, it is important that you contact us immediately so that we can begin a thorough investigation.
Call us now for a free consultation at (859) 469-5000. We understand how a personal injury claim can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help and give you the peace of mind that professionals are looking out for your best interests.
Golden Law is a local, Kentucky Law Firm, attorneys/lawyers in Fayette County, Kentucky, working in the fields of personal injury, auto accidents, car and truck wrecks; medical malpractice: doctors, hospitals & nursing homes; senior living abuse: neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, dehydration, bedsores, catastrophic injuries, and broken bones. If you are considering a lawsuit, call us at 859.469.5000 for a free consultation. We are located at 771 Corporate Dr. Suite 800/ Lexington, Kentucky 40503. We handle cases all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have represented and trained people in major insurance companies & major trucking companies. We have first hand experience and know the ‘inside of the insurance business’ … that’s a distinction that no other law firm can make. We’re Your Advocate. Dale Golden, Laraclay Parker.
