Kansas City Dram Shop Liability Lawyers
Drunk driving accidents devastate families. Victims or the family members of victims have the right to hold a drunk driver liable in civil court, but they may not be the only ones to blame for the devastating accident. What about the bar or night club that continued to serve them alcohol when they were visibly drunk? Establishments that offer alcoholic beverages for purchase have a responsibility to the safety of the people they serve. If a bartender serves an alcoholic beverage to an obviously intoxicated person, who then leaves the bar and causes a serious injury or fatal accident, then that bartender, and the bar owner, may also be held liable for the damages that result. This is referred to as dram shop law.
When people, business owners, or other entities place profits over people and do not consider the health and safety of others, they create hazardous situations that can lead to serious injury or death. If you have suffered injury or have lost a loved one in a Missouri drunk driving accident, experienced Kansas City drunk driving accident victim attorneys at the Law Offices of Cullan and Cullan, M.D., J.D., may not only investigate the negligence of the driver but may also hold the bar or night club owner liable for negligently serving alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated.
If multiple people are to blame for what you’ve suffered, then multiple people should be responsible for providing for your future financial security. For more information, contact us for a consultation today.
Missouri Dram Shop Law
According to Missouri Revised Statute 537.053.2, any person who has suffered personal injury or the family of any person who has suffered death as the result of a drunk driving accident or other incident may have cause to bring legal action against any person licensed to sell intoxicating liquor if it is clearly proven that the seller knew or should have known that intoxicating liquor was being served to someone visibly intoxicated or someone under 21-years-old. “Visibly intoxicated” means that the person is drunk to the point where they become physically uncoordinated or dysfunctional.
In other words, if a licensed establishment sells alcoholic beverages to a person who is underage or already obviously drunk and that person causes injury or death to another, it is partly the establishment’s fault, and they may be held responsible.
How a Knowledgeable Attorney Can Help
Dram shop laws are in place to make sure that bar and night club owners fulfill their responsibility to the safety of others, not just to the profitability of their business. If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a licensed establishment’s violation of Missouri’s dram shop laws, a skilled attorney can help you gather the appropriate evidence to present a strong case.
The experienced Kansas City liquor liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Cullan and Cullan, M.D., J.D., are committed to holding negligent bar or night club owners responsible for their reckless and/or unethical practices regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. To find out more about your legal rights and options, call us for a consultation at (816) 861-7600.