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Injured By a Drunk Driver? The Driver May Not Be the Only One Responsible

Miami Liquor Liability Attorneys

Representing Clients Nationwide. Call (305) 770-6335 to Learn Your Options.

If a drunk driver injured you, you may have grounds to sue additional parties. Florida has strict laws on serving alcohol, known as Dram Shop laws. An establishment that sells liquor and alcohol must abide by strict laws. If a bar or restaurant is negligent in serving alcohol and an intoxicated patron injures someone else, they can be held liable. Per Florida Statute 768.125, any person or knowingly sells or provides alcohol to an underage individual (within their knowledge) may be held liable for injuries or damages that result due to drunk driving. Often, those addicted to alcohol will frequent familiar bars and restaurants. If the owner knows  a person struggles with alcohol abuse and drove themselves, they endanger others by providing it.

For a better understanding of Florida’s Dram Shop laws, imagine the following scenario: 
Alex just got off work and stops by a local bar where Tina, the owner, is serving. Alex is a regular, and Tina knows that Alex always drinks too much after work when visiting her bar and drives home. Still, she serves him several drinks before he gets into his car and drives away. Alex then leaves and hits a pedestrian who suffers serious injuries. In this case, the pedestrian could be eligible to seek compensation from both Alex and Tina’s bar.

What Is a Dram Shop Law?

Florida's dram shop laws are designed to ensure accountability among vendors of alcoholic beverages for the impact their products have on customers. Essentially, these laws enable legal action against establishments like bars for irresponsibly serving alcohol to patrons. For instance, if a bar over-serves a customer and then permits them to drive, leading to an accident, the dram shop law can hold the establishment liable for the consequences. This legal framework emphasizes the responsibility of alcohol sellers in preventing alcohol-related incidents by enforcing stricter control over their practices.

How Are Florida Dram Shop Laws Different?

Florida's dram shop laws are distinct from those in many other states, primarily in how they assign liability to alcohol vendors. Unlike other jurisdictions, where vendors might be held responsible for serving visibly intoxicated individuals, Florida's approach is different. Under Florida law, liability arises for alcohol sellers in specific circumstances: when they serve someone known to be addicted to alcohol or when they serve a minor who subsequently causes an accident.

What Damages Are Recoverable Under Florida Liquor Laws?

If you or a loved one suffered due to the actions of a drunk individual, you may be eligible to receive compensation. This can include reimbursement for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Consulting with an attorney is the most effective way to understand your options for financial recovery. An experienced lawyer can assess your specific situation and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.

STFBC Seeks Justice Under Dram Shop Law for Brain-Damaged Plaintiff

In November 2019, our client was driving a vehicle on his way home from his job when a 20-year-old drunk driver struck him, launching him into the street. He suffered severe brain injuries that left him in a persistent vegetative state. 

Meanwhile, the drunk driver was arrested for DUI.

She was later discovered to be uninsured.

Our law firm represents both the victim and his six-year-old son, who will never hear his father's voice again. This young family has been grievously robbed of their future. When the family came to us, our investigation revealed that the drunk driver had been served alcohol at two popular Miami bars earlier that night. As a result, we are pursuing damages against the at-fault bars that contributed to our client's injuries under the Florida dram shop statute. To read more, visit our blog.

Seeking Compensation Under Florida's Dram Shop Laws

If an inebriated patron injured you, you deserve just financial compensation to begin rebuilding your life. Serious injuries can cause great physical and emotional pain. It can also affect your work and social life.

Damages you can seek under Florida’s dram shop laws:

  • Medical bills
  • Damaged property
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

If an intoxicated individual hurt you, you may be able to sue both the driver and the establishment that served the alcohol. At Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, P.A., our Miami personal injury lawyers have over 150 years of collective experience and have successfully represented clients throughout Florida, the United States, and across the globe. Our firm has advocated for clients in France, Australia, England, Monserrat, and Peru, among many others. Allow us to do the same for you!

Talk to one of our Florida liquor liability attorneys. Call (305) 770-6335 to schedule a free case review today.

Hundreds of Millions Won

We have a reputation for getting results. Our personal injury law firm has successfully gone toe-to-toe against the largest companies in the country and has been able to recover maximum financial compensation for our clients. As a result of our success, diligence, and experience, our trial attorneys have been recognized and awarded by numerous organizations throughout the nation. We have consistently obtained extraordinary results for our clients year after year in state after state. We can arrange for you to speak directly to our previous clients

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