Dram Shop Liability
The Bennett Johnson, LLP team can pursue legal action against a bar, bartender, or another party that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor who caused an accident. By extending liability to every responsible party, we can help you collect the maximum compensation possible. Dram shop liability is a special legal concept, and the cases can be complicated and extremely difficult in California. Attorneys Richard C. Bennett, William Johnson, and Andrew Johnson in Oakland, CA, can help you make a claim under these laws and aggressively pursue the full amount of restitution you deserve.
Dram Shop Liability in California
In much of the United States, dram shop liability means that persons or businesses who serve alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person can be held responsible if that person gets in an accident and causes injury after leaving the establishment. The law traditionally applies to:
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Bartenders
- Social hosts
- Liquor stores, under certain circumstances
In California, these laws are far more restrictive than in other states. In fact, the only time a personal injury case may be brought against any of these parties in California is when they have served alcohol to someone under the age of 21 who was obviously intoxicated. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be brought against these parties for serving alcohol to patrons of any age.
What this means for victims is that a knowledgeable attorney should always be consulted when considering filing suit under the state’s dram shop laws. Consulting with an attorney can allow you to explore every possible avenue of recovery, and give you the peace of mind in knowing important facts have not been overlooked.
How a Lawyer Can Help with a Dram Shop Case
Given the many nuances of the laws, having an attorney by your side is essential when pursuing damages under a dram shop liability theory. The bar, bartender, or another party may have an attorney, and partnering with your own legal counsel can help to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable. Victims of drunk driving accidents usually suffer permanent injuries, and deserve the best legal representation possible in order to ensure their rights are protected.
The only time a personal injury case may be brought against any of these parties in California is when they have served alcohol to someone under the age of 21.
Contact us for Help with Your Case
Bennett Johnson, LLP has represented victims in personal injury cases for more than 40 years. Our approach is to seek maximum recovery on our clients' behalf. Our track record of having collected over $500 million for our clients speaks for itself. We offer a free initial consultation and will take your case on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no up-front fees and you do not owe us anything unless we recover for you. To book your complimentary case review, please contact us online or call our office at (530) 413-0245.
