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

Miami Liquor Liability Attorneys

Call (305) 770-6335 to Schedule a Free Case Review Today

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.

According to Florida Statute, section 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 that a person struggles with alcohol abuse and drove themselves, they endanger others by providing the substance.

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. 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, the drunk driver, and Tina’s bar.

For another situation that applies under the Florida dram shop statute, consider the following: Michelle is 20 years old and visits a bar with her friends, who are all of age. The bar neglects to check her ID when she orders a drink. She leaves the bar drunk, gets in her car, and causes an accident that injures another driver. In this case, the victim could hold both the drunk driver and the bar liable for victim’s injuries.

What Is a Dram Shop Law?

Florida dram ship laws are meant to hold sellers of alcoholic products accountable for how their products affects customers. In other words, a dram shop law can make a bar liable for overserving a patron and allowing them to drive away before they caused an accident.

How Are Florida Dram Shop Laws Different?

Florida dram shop laws differ from other states because it doesn’t hold alcohol vendors liable for serving someone who is visibly intoxicated. Instead, Florida dram shop laws hold alcohol sellers liable when they serve someone who is addicted to alcohol or when they serve a minor who later causes an accident.

What Damages Are Recoverable Under Florida Liquor Laws?

If you or a loved one is suffering because of a drunk individual, you might be able to obtain compensation for multiple losses including lost wages, medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Speaking with an attorney is the best way to find out your potential for financial recovery.

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 about this case, 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

We have extensive knowledge and experience representing injury victims. 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 more than 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.

Get a Nationally Recognized Firm on Your Side

Our Attorneys Are Ready to Make Your Voice Be Heard

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message

Integrity. 150+ Years of Combined Experience

Commitment. Limited Caseloads Equals Unlimited Focus

Results. Hundreds of Millions Recovered For Our Clients