Suffolk County Dram Shop Liability Lawyer

In alcohol-related accidents, liability generally falls on the intoxicated person who caused the accident. In New York, alcohol providers are sometimes responsible, as well. Under certain circumstances, alcohol sellers and social hosts may also be responsible for injuries sustained by an innocent third party accident victim. 

If you have been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated person, we can help. Contact a Suffolk County dram shop liability attorney at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C. to schedule a free consultation. 

Dram Shop Liability Practice

• Our Suffolk County car accident attorneys represent injury victims and their families who have suffered losses caused by someone else’s misconduct. We stand up for our clients and seek compensation from responsible parties and their insurance companies. 
• Our goal is always to secure a maximum financial recovery for our clients. Under the right circumstances in alcohol-related accidents, our attorneys pursue dram shop liability claims to secure an additional source of compensation for our clients. 
• We help people who have lost loved ones in drunk driving and other types of accidents. Our attorneys work to hold responsible parties accountable and to secure compensation for surviving family members in wrongful death claims. 

Types Of Alcohol-Related Accidents

When most people hear about dram shop laws, they think about drunk driving accidents. Depending on specific accident facts, New York dram shop laws cover drunk driving accidents. They can also apply to other types of accidents involving alcohol, such as boating accidents and assaults. Dram shop liability is especially helpful when injuries are severe and additional compensation is necessary for medical bills and other damages. 

Dram Shop Laws

In New York, restaurants, bars, and other establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol may be liable for accident injuries. Establishments can incur liability for serving alcohol to someone who subsequently causes an accident and injures an innocent third party. In general, an alcohol seller is only responsible for those injuries and damages if:

• There is evidence that the seller provided alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, or
• The seller provided alcohol to a minor, and the seller knew or reasonably should have known, that he or she was a minor.

Additionally, a social host may incur liability for providing alcohol to a minor or for authorizing a minor’s consumption of alcohol if an innocent party is subsequently injured.

How We Can Help

Our attorneys will track down any existing evidence proving that the seller provided alcohol to the visibly intoxicated defendant. They will review security camera recordings and nearby surveillance footage, which may have recorded the defendant’s inebriated conduct and behavior. They will also interview witnesses and find evidence showing how much and what kind of alcohol the defendant was served.  

Insurance Companies

There are often two or more insurance companies involved in dram shop liability cases. That typically means that you have two insurance companies working against your claim. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators, and they understand insurance company tactics. They will advocate for a full and fair recovery in settlement negotiations. They will also be prepared to try your case in court if the insurance company offers are unreasonable. 

Dram Shop Liability Attorneys

If you are recovering from injuries in an alcohol-related accident, you need an experienced legal advocate to represent your interests. Contact a Suffolk County personal injury attorney at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C. to discuss your claim.