Experienced Dram Shop Law Lawyers in South Carolina
At the David W. Martin Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina know that any time an intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, their negligence can lead to car accidents that cause significant injuries and fatalities.
In fact, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety estimates that drunk driving was involved in 29% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities last year.
While the driver may face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit for their negligence, the establishment that served the driver may also be held liable for their intoxication through a Dram Shop legal claim.
A dram shop is a commercial establishment that sells alcoholic beverages and can include restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Named after the small unit of measurement bars use to sell alcohol called drams dram shop actions in South Carolina make it illegal to knowingly serve alcohol to an intoxicated person.
When businesses sell alcoholic drinks to a guest who is obviously intoxicated or close to it, they may be held strictly liable to anyone injured by the drunken patron.
To pursue a dram shop injury claim in South Carolina, here is what you need to know.
What is the South Carolina Dram Shop Law?
South Carolina recognizes dram shop claims but does not have a specific statute outlining the legislation. Instead, these cases are authorized by previous decisions handed down by the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Typically, South Carolina allows dram shop claims where the vendor sold alcohol to an underage person or someone who was already intoxicated.
To pursue a successful personal injury claim against the establishment, the injured party must prove the alcohol sale was a proximate cause of the accident and was to blame for the person’s injuries.
Will South Carolina Dram Shop Claims Only Cover Car Accidents and Injuries?
A restaurant, bar, tavern, or nightclub can be held liable for the harmful acts of its intoxicated customers when the establishment negligently serves the underage or intoxicated customer alcohol, and the customer then causes harm to another person or party.
That may include all types of vehicle collisions, including those that occur on boats and motorcycles or to pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as those caused by intentional acts, including violence.
South Carolina Dram shop laws allow victims who were hurt by the intoxicated person to pursue compensation from the establishment that provided alcohol that led to the accident or act that caused their injuries.
Contact Our Fort Mill, Greenville & Rock Hill Dram Shop Attorneys Today for a consultation.
If you have been injured by an intoxicated driver or during an intentional act of violence perpetrated by an intoxicated person or party, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys in South Carolina today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold all accountable parties liable for your full financial recovery by calling (803) 548-2468 or contact us online.
