“Dram Shop” Case Filed Against Local Illinois Bar

Earlier this month, a trial began on the issue of whether an Illinois bar served a patron to the point of intoxication before he went on to cause serious injuries to one of the bar’s other patrons. According to one local news source that reported on the case, the incident occurred back in May of last year, when the plaintiff was at the establishment having a drink at the bar.

Evidently, one of the other patrons started to get rowdy and made some sexually inappropriate remarks to the bartender, who asked the man to leave. The man refused to leave, and the bartender then enlisted the help of other customers to get the intoxicated man out of the bar. The plaintiff was one of the men involved in confronting the intoxicated man, and when he attempted to get the man out of the bar, a fight broke out.

While the plaintiff claims all his attempts were peaceful, the interactions eventually turned violent, and the plaintiff was hit, causing him to fall into a pool table. He suffered serious and permanent injuries as a result, and he filed suit against the bar under a Dram Shop theory of liability.

What Are Dram Shop Laws?

Dram shop laws are designed to hold a restaurant or bar responsible for the injuries and damages caused by a customer who gets intoxicated while being served alcohol at the establishment. In the case above, the theory of liability is that the bar was negligent in over-serving the patron who eventually lashed out and attacked the plaintiff. While these facts do invoke the Dram Shop doctrine, more often than not the doctrine is used in drunk driving cases.

Dram Shop Laws and DUI Accidents

Dram Shop laws can be used by an accident victim in a drunk driving accident to hold the establishment that served the defendant alcohol liable for the injuries. Of course, the plaintiff can name both the defendant driver as well as the restaurant or bar in the case, rather than choosing just one or the other. This can be very helpful to personal injury plaintiffs because often a drunk driver is only covered up to a certain amount by his or her insurance policy, and the insurance policy of the bar or restaurant allows for the plaintiff to be more fully compensated for their injuries. If you have been the victim of a DUI accident in Illinois, be sure to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney before proceeding with your case.

Have You Been Involved in an Illinois DUI Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to seek compensation from the drunk driver as well as the establishment that served him or her the liquor that caused their intoxication. These laws can be complex, and such cases are often hotly contested, so be sure to retain dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced counsel before you proceed. The skilled advocates at Moll Law Group have significant experience bringing all kinds of personal injury cases, including those involving drunk drivers. Call 312-462-1200 to set up a risk-free consultation with an attorney today.