Merrillville, East Chicago, Hammond, Gary, Crown Point, Schererville, St. John Bar Negligence Lawyers
When an innocent person is injured by a drunk driver, the responsibility may go beyond the person who chose to drink and drive. The bar, restaurant or social host who over-served alcohol to an intoxicated person may also be liable. This area of law is known as dram shop liability or social host responsibility.
At Laura L. Rybicki, LLC, in St. John, our Porter County premises liability attorneys represent victims of drunk drivers and bar fights in Lake County, Porter County and throughout northern Indiana. We offer a free initial consultation to explain your rights and answer your questions.
What Is Dram Shop Liability?
In Indiana, it is unlawful to furnish an alcoholic beverage to another person who is in a state of intoxication, provided the server knew that the other person was intoxicated. Under dram shop liability laws, a liquor-serving establishment that breaks this law may be responsible for any damages caused by the intoxicated person.
Evidence such as drink receipts and statements from witnesses can be used to prove that a server knowingly served an intoxicated person. In some cases, the liquor serving establishment may be responsible for injuries the intoxicated person caused to himself or herself.
What Is Social Host Responsibility?
Like bar owners, social hosts in Indiana can be liable if they furnish alcoholic beverage to an intoxicated person at a social gathering. The host is not responsible unless he or she knew the person was intoxicated at the time the alcoholic beverage was served.
For More Information About Dram Shop Liability and Social Host Responsibility
For more information or to schedule a free consultation with our Lake County and Porter Count