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Columbia Bar Liability Attorney

Any establishment that sells alcohol has a legal responsibility to ensure they are not serving patrons who are already overly intoxicated. In the event that an intoxicated person causes an injury, statutes known as “dram shop” laws are statewide measures that assign civil liability to any establishment that serves previously intoxicated customers. South Carolina does not have a clearly defined dram shop act, but they do recognize dram shop claims based on past decisions handed down by the Supreme Court. Namely, a case known as Hartfield v. The Getaway Lounge & Grill, Inc. determined that bar owners can be held liable for injuries that a patron causes if that bar served them knowing they were already intoxicated.

Countless people have suffered injuries because of bars’ irresponsibility in serving customers that are knowingly intoxicated. An intoxicated person can shoulder life-altering, undue burdens onto victims of their reckless behavior. Most often, this leads to drunken driving accidents that are a plague on public safety. If you were the victim of an injury caused by an intoxicated person, you deserve to recover the full amount of compensation available to you. At the Goings Law Firm, LLC, our skilled Columbia bar liability attorneys can investigate whether a bar’s continued service to a drunk patron contributed to your injuries. Being injured because of someone else’s reckless intoxication is infuriating, and you should know that it is possible to hold the person who hurt you accountable for their destructive behavior.

Dram Shop Liability in Bars

Dram shop statutes allow victims of intoxicated drivers to seek additional damages for their recovery. As most drunk driving injuries result in expensive medical bills, lost time at work, and rehabilitative care, this restitution is invaluable. Although South Carolina lacks a specific dram shop statute, past Supreme Court decisions have set a precedent that can assign a bar liability in circumstances such as:

  • Intentionally serving a minor, or person under the age of 21
  • Serving knowingly intoxicated persons (the person does not have to be visibly intoxicated)
  • Being negligent by not requesting proof of age, serving someone past closing time, or serving someone an alcohol amount that they are likely to become intoxicated from

These cases are always civil, meaning that the bar cannot be found criminally responsible for injuries or wrongful death. Surveillance footage, a record of the number of drinks consumed, and eyewitness testimonies are great pieces of evidence that can lend credence to a claim that a bar was negligent in serving an intoxicated person. Furthermore, obtaining a knowledgeable bar liability attorney can help prove your case.

Contact a Bar Liability Attorney in Columbia

Suffering losses from an drunk driver is an especially painful experience. It may seem difficult to think about anything besides healing right now, but you do not have to face the legal process alone. The compassionate bar liability lawyers at Goings Law Firm, LLC can fight on your behalf to help you recover damages for your suffering. While we regret that you have had to face such a devastating experience, we can at least advocate for your interests so that you can recover without financial strain. Don’t hesitate to contact our Columbia offices today at (803) 350-9230 for support and guidance in your case.

Last Updated : May 10, 2021
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TESTIMONIALS

I was really going through a tough situation being injured on the job my job hassling me workers Comp not paying me and the bills were stacking up.Then a friend referred me to Goings law firm there I met Mallory and Christian they were pleasant and up front and I gotta tell they work fast to get you the settlement you deserve.So you got legal issues if I were I would call Goings law firm hopefully I won’t but if I do that’s who I’m calling.

Goings Law Firm is a great family friendly oriented organization. They are upfront and honest with you. They keep you up to date on all information about your case and is always available for questions that you may have. Last but not least, they work hard to get you every penny you deserve. I recommend Goings Law Firm, LLC if ever in an accident and you need help and compensation.

I originally tried to handle my case on my own but it became overwhelming. After doing research on Google, I found Goings Law Firm LLC. I was amazed of the 5 star review so wanted to check out for myself. After initial meeting with Attorney Jessica, I knew the Goings Law Firm was for me.
I like to work with business that treat me as a person versus a number.

Katie is amazing, I had a procedure done, which raised many concerns. She listened to my concerns, offer to be there as much to her capacity. Which really helped eased some of my concerns. I honestly did not expected to receive any type of compensation. I only hoped for my medical bills to be paid. Attorney Robert is amazing as well, he and his team exceed my expectiation. I am truly thankful for the Goings Law Firm team. If seeking a attorney office, knowledgable, will do their best to make sure you received the proper medical care and compensation, treat individuals as a person verus a number, my suggestion is go with Goings Law Firm. I can honestly say the reviews are accurate, glad to have meet them and represent my case. You all are Awesome and Amazing!!! Thank you so much!

The staff at this establishment was very attentive and kind. Robert is a very nice, responsive gentleman. I sincerely encourage you to seek this company out for any advice or representation. You will not be disappointed. Again thank you for your time and consideration.

Robert Goings did an excellent job working with my mother and I. Very professional, friendly, hard working and always on top of everything. We are extremely impressed all around and would highly recommend Goings Law Firm to anyone. We appreciate all of the hard work and assistance that this team has done for us!

Robert Goings, and his staff are amazing. From day one they were in our corner. They were with us all the way . They kept us informed of all new developments and fought to make sure that we were not taking advantage of by the insurance companies. I would definitely recommend Goings law firm to any of my family and friends. They are second to none. I’ve never felt more confident in a decision as I do with hiring Robert and his firm. I’d like to say thank you one more time for all your hard work and treating us like family.

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