Dram Shop Liability in South Carolina refers to the legal responsibility that bars, restaurants, and other establishments serving alcohol may bear if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor and that individual later causes an injury or accident.
Under South Carolina law, businesses can be held accountable for alcohol-related injuries if it can be proven that they knowingly served someone who was already impaired or underage.
Victims of accidents caused by intoxicated individuals, such as drunk driving incidents, can pursue compensation from the establishment for damages. This law is designed to encourage responsible alcohol service and provide recourse for those harmed by negligence in serving alcohol. Our skilled South Carolina personal injury attorneys are here to help enforce this law so our clients can regain control of their lives. Here’s how.
How Can the David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers in South Carolina Help Me Pursue a Dram Shop Liability Claim?
Although not the only source of these crucial cases, South Carolina has 60 colleges and universities, including public institutions, technical colleges, and four-year private colleges, that can lead to substantial accusations of underage or overserved students being involved in accidents that cause severe injuries and fatalities throughout the state.
However, no matter what the alleged individual or parents of a student who caused an accident here may believe, we must ensure that a dram shop claim is based on legitimate evidence rather than speculation because the success of such a claim hinges on proving that the establishment negligently served alcohol to an intoxicated person or a minor, directly contributing to the injuries or accident.
By leveraging our knowledge of dram shop liability laws and legal procedures, our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina can help you build a strong case and pursue justice for the harm you’ve suffered due to negligent alcohol service.
That includes:
- Case Evaluation: Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers will assess your case to determine if you have a valid Dram shop liability claim by analyzing the details of the incident and the role the establishment played during a free consultation.
- Investigating the Incident: We will investigate the accident, including gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, police reports, and any other documentation that proves the establishment overserved the intoxicated or underage person.
- Proving Negligence: Our lawyers will work to demonstrate that the bar or restaurant was negligent in serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor, which led to the injuries or accident.
- Establishing a Link: We will help establish a clear link between the intoxicated person’s actions and the alcohol the establishment serves, which is essential for a successful dram shop liability claim.
- Expert Testimony: Our attorneys can bring in expert witnesses, such as toxicologists or alcohol service experts, to testify about the level of intoxication and the establishment’s responsibility.
- Navigating State Laws: South Carolina has specific dram shop liability laws, and our lawyers have the expertise to navigate the complexities of these regulations, ensuring that your case adheres to state requirements.
- Filing the Claim: We will handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and filing requirements for your dram shop liability claim, ensuring it is completed correctly and promptly.
- Maximizing Compensation: We will work to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, which can include medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and future rehabilitation expenses.
- Protecting Your Rights: Our dedicated personal injury lawyers will protect your legal rights throughout the process, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of by the opposing party or their insurers.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers will deal with the liable party’s insurance company on your behalf, seeking a fair settlement for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to court, presenting the evidence and arguing your case before a judge or jury.
Contact Our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in an accident where you believe South Carolina’s dram shop laws apply, contact our David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers at (803) 302-3989 to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party liable for your complete recovery needs.
We provide free consultations for all South Carolina personal injury cases and never charge legal fees unless we deliver a positive outcome for your unique case.