Dram Shop Liability

New York Liquor Liability Law

The New York State Dram Shop Act holds bartenders, store clerks, and wait staff responsible for the death or injury of a third party caused by a visibly intoxicated person served or sold alcohol by the bartender or clerk. If an obviously drunk person is served or sold alcohol and later causes an accident, the bar or other establishment can be sued for damages under this law.

Consult with an experienced lawyer if you have been injured or a loved one killed by a drunk driver who was served when visibly impaired. At our Manhattan law firm, Shandell, Blitz, Blitz, & Ashley, LLP, we help injured people obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your vehicle, and pain and suffering. To learn how we might help you, contact us for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys have been providing effective legal representation to injured people for more than 30 years.

Dram shop law applies to assaults as well as car accidents

In addition to injuries caused by drunk drivers, we can help if an intoxicated person who was sold liquor by a tavern, liquor store, or restaurant assaulted you. Our lawyers have obtained compensation for people seriously injured in nightclub brawls simply because they were in the way.

Bar and tavern staff are charged with making sure their customers are able to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise function. They are instructed to look for:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred speech
• Mood swings
• The smell of alcohol
• Loud, abusive, profane language
• Staggering or falling

If they fail to take even these rudimentary precautions, and a customer causes injuries, the tavern may be found liable in a civil suit.

How an attorney can help

We interview witnesses, review the record of the tavern or restaurant in similar situations, and determine the facts of the incident that caused your injuries. This allows us to build a strong case for compensation under New York's liquor liability laws. Contact our Manhattan law firm, Shandell, Blitz, Blitz, & Ashley, LLP, if you have been injured through the actions of an intoxicated person.