Massachusetts residents may not be aware that the state has what is known as a Dram Shop Law. This means that it is illegal to serve or sell alcohol to anyone who is already intoxicated. But, who does this apply to and how can it be used to hold someone liable for violating it?
This law applies to commercial establishments that serve liquor and could include bars and sporting events as well. Section 69 applies to managers, servers and owners to ensure that they do not serve alcohol to someone who is demonstrating signs of intoxication. This places a responsibility on them to look for signs, such as slurred speech or trouble walking. The responsibility is so important that if it is skimped on and a drunk person goes on to injure someone in a drunk driving accident, the people serving the drunk driver could also be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Car accident victims could experience a host of injuries in a drunk driving accident and would almost certainly require medical treatment. The bills add up and so does the frustration-why did the driver get behind the wheel drunk and why did someone keep serving them alcohol? Although the answers may not be forthcoming, accountability could be.
Accountability through a personal injury lawsuit could bring car accident victims some closure and ease the financial burden associated with the accident. Holding someone accountable through liquor liability laws could be tricky and it might be beneficial to speak with an experienced attorney and get guidance on how to proceed.
