How Many Parties Are in a Dram Shop Lawsuit?

If you are injured by a drunk driver or in another situation involving an intoxicated individual, it is important to understand that there may be multiple parties responsible for your injuries. In Rhode Island, bars, restaurants, and other establishments can be held liable if they violate Rhode Island’s dram shop laws.

Proving that an establishment served alcohol to an intoxicated individual who caused you harm does not automatically entitle you to compensation for your injuries. Rather, you must prove that the establishment was negligent in its service of alcohol – i.e., that the establishment over-served the individual responsible and/or was negligent at any other time that the drunk driver was inside the establishment.

If you believe that an establishment is to blame for your injuries, it is important to speak to an experienced Rhode Island dram shop lawyer immediately. Dram shop claims are often complex and require the services of a law firm with considerable experience litigating these unique cases.

Filing a Dram Shop Lawsuit

The Rhode Island dram shop law entitles the victims of a drunk driver to pursue compensation from the establishment that served the patron alcohol and/or that let its customer leave in a visibly intoxicated condition.

Multiple parties may be liable if an individual is over-served alcohol at more than one establishment. “Bar hopping” can quickly result in intoxication as patrons move from one establishment to the next.

Taking Action in a Dram Shop Claim

In the state of Rhode Island, victims of drunk driving and other injuries caused by an intoxicated person have three years from the date of injury to file a dram shop lawsuit against the negligent parties. An experienced attorney can help ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines for filing your claim.

Evidence in a dram shop lawsuit may consist of one or more of the following:

• Service of alcohol to a minor
• Proof of age was never requested
• Service of alcohol to a person who appeared visibly intoxicated
• Allowing a visibly intoxicated person to leave

You need an experienced Rhode Island dram shop lawyer in your corner. Without a legal team fighting for you and your rights, you may not recover the money you need to put your life back together again.

Contact Our Providence Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident or other incident with a drunk individual in Rhode Island, it is important to understand that there may be multiple parties to blame. In some cases, the bar that served the intoxicated patron may also be liable for your injuries.

At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd, our Rhode Island dram shop lawyers know that drunk driving accidents and other injuries related to negligent service of alcohol are rarely cut and dry. There are often criminal investigations ongoing, as well as civil claims. That’s why we work tirelessly for our injured clients from the very start.

The attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd represent the victims of drunk driving accidents, assaults, and more in their quest for justice. Call us today at (401) 273-8330 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. Our lawyers handle dram shop claims in Providence and throughout Rhode Island.