Philadelphia Dramshop Liability Attorneys

Dramshop

Dramshops -- also known as bars or establishments that serve alcohol -- can be held liable for motor vehicle accidents caused by people driving under the influence. Dramshop laws differ profoundly from state to state. Some states, for example, require that tavern owners must be careful not to serve even a first drink to a person who might later drive under the influence; in other states, a tavern owner may have no responsibility at all with respect to dramshop liability.

Dramshop laws find their origins in the temperance movement, which began in the middle 1800s and later flourished in the era of Prohibition. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local teetotaler and religious organizations have also pushed to make it easier to find taverns liable for the reckless behavior of their patrons. Several studies have been commissioned to determine the effectiveness of dramshop liability laws, and the jury is still out as to precisely how effective these laws are at protecting the citizenry.

Even in other states with stricter dramshop liability laws, plaintiffs must prove a number of key points, including the fact that the dramshop sold alcohol to a party who later caused an injury to the plaintiff and that the driver's inebriation at least partially contributed to the accident.

Given the strict burden of proof in dramshop liability cases and the complex chain of cause and effect that must be proven, you might want to consult the Philadelphia dramshop liability attorneys of Cherry Fieger and Marciano, LLP regarding your options. In addition to demonstrating a superior track record at pressing personal injury claims in Pennsylvania, we have also proven ourselves effective in class action, worker's compensation, and medical malpractice cases. Learn more about our firm online today on our website or dial 1-888-684-7192 for a free, confidential consultation now.