Meet Our Dram Shop Liability Attorneys

Alcohol-related injuries and fatalities are tragically common in the United States, and while impaired drivers or individuals are often held responsible, there’s another important player that may be legally accountable: the alcohol-serving establishment. 

This is where dram shop laws come into play.

“Dram shop” is an old legal term that originates from 18th-century England, where alcohol was sold by the dram (a small unit of liquid). Today, dram shop liability laws refer to statutes that hold alcohol-serving establishments or liquor licensees responsible for serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause harm.

Common dram shop cases can include scenarios such as a drunk driver causing a fatal car crash after being overserved at a bar or a visibly intoxicated patron assaulting someone after leaving a nightclub.

Other cases can frequently involve restaurants serving alcohol to minors who can then overdose or cause harm to others.

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, such as a careless drunk driver on the road, you naturally want justice, and the first step is usually to take legal action against the driver. However, many people forget to factor in all responsible parties, such as the bar that overserved that drunk driver—and watched him get behind the wheel.

The consequences of irresponsible alcohol service can be catastrophic. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed by drunk drivers, violent altercations, or alcohol-fueled accidents. While the intoxicated person can bear responsibility, the bar or restaurant that enabled their behavior can and should also be held accountable.

To boil it down, the key purposes of dram shop laws are to:

• Promote responsible alcohol service.
• Protect the public from foreseeable harm.
• Provide financial relief to victims and families.
• Encourage better training and oversight in the service industry.

These laws aren't just punitive; they’re preventative, designed to deter dangerous business practices that put people at risk.

You may have grounds to file a dram shop liability claim if you or a loved one were injured as a result of someone else's intoxication, and that person was served alcohol at a business despite clear signs they were underage or visibly intoxicated.

Potential plaintiffs in dram shop cases include:

• Car accident victims struck by a drunk driver.
• Families of individuals killed in alcohol-related crashes.
• Victims of assaults or injuries caused by drunk individuals.
• Parents of minors harmed after being served alcohol.

Each case is unique, and liability can be complex. That’s why consulting with an experienced dram shop liability attorney at Morgan & Morgan can make a huge difference. Our dram shop lawyers can assess your situation and explain your rights.

Dram shop liability isn’t always easy to prove. Businesses often deny wrongdoing, and evidence may be hard to gather. But at Morgan & Morgan, our legal teams are skilled at investigating these claims thoroughly and strategically.

Key elements Morgan & Morgan will work to establish include:

• The individual was served alcohol at the establishment.
• The person was either underage or visibly intoxicated at the time.
• The person’s intoxication was a direct cause of the injuries or death.
• The establishment's negligence contributed to the harmful outcome.
   

Our attorneys gather surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, receipts, social media content, and expert witness analysis to build a compelling case.

Not all states treat dram shop liability the same way. Some have broad statutes, while others place strict limitations on who can sue, what damages can be recovered, and what level of proof is needed.

Some states, like Delaware, do not recognize or have any civil liability against liquor licensees, while in others, such as Pennsylvania, liability can fall on the liquor license holder.

Generally speaking, there’s nothing close to a uniform standard among states.

This is why hiring a national law firm like Morgan & Morgan can help. As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm with law offices in every state across the country, we have attorneys in your state with a deep knowledge of local statutes and case law.

Establishments often try to shield themselves from responsibility using tactics like:

• Claiming the person didn’t appear had a high tolerance and did not appear intoxicated.
• Arguing that someone else caused the injuries.
• Blaming the victim or denying service occurred.

At Morgan & Morgan, we anticipate these defenses and prepare proactive counterarguments. We know what evidence to seek and how to challenge unreliable testimony or blurry timelines.

Our firm’s size and resources allow us to out-investigate and out-litigate smaller or less experienced firms. And unlike some attorneys, we never settle for less than our clients deserve.

Dram shop injury claims can result in substantial financial recoveries, particularly when the injuries are severe or fatal. Compensation may cover both economic and non-economic damages.

Potential Damages Include:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of consortium (companionship or family relationships)
• Punitive damages, in cases of extreme negligence

Morgan & Morgan’s goal is simple: to secure the maximum compensation possible for every client, no matter how complex the case.

In over 35 years of experience fighting For the People, Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $30 billion for clients, including those harmed by alcohol-related negligence. While we cannot guarantee a result, our track record speaks for itself: that we don’t like to settle for less than you deserve.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you’re hiring a powerhouse legal team that brings experience, grit, and resources to your case. From our intake specialists to our seasoned trial attorneys, we stand by your side every step of the way.

If you or someone you love has been harmed because an establishment irresponsibly served alcohol, let us help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you don’t just hire a liquor liability lawyer; you hire the largest personal injury law firm in the country with an army of over 1,000 lawyers and offices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Your case will be handled by a dedicated team of professionals, including personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and support staff. You will be assigned a care team that includes a primary attorney who will oversee your case and ensure you receive personalized attention throughout the process.

We love talking to our clients. You will primarily communicate with your Case Manager via telephone and email, and if you would like to speak directly with your attorney via telephone, we will make that happen by scheduling a call.

Morgan & Morgan’s lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront fees or expenses until your case comes to a successful conclusion. That’s right—the Fee Is Free™, and you only pay if we win.

Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount, ensuring we are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for you.