Seattle Dram Shop Lawyer
Did you know you may be able to hold someone other than the intoxicated party responsible for your damages after an accident or attack? If you were involved in a drunk driving collision or altercation with someone under the influence, the intoxicated individual may not be the only party liable. You may also have grounds for a claim against the person or entity that supplied the individual with the alcohol. Dram shop is another name for any business that serves alcoholic beverages. The Seattle dram shop lawyer at Washington Injury Law can help with your dram shop liability claim in Seattle. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Washington Injury Law?
- You will benefit from a Seattle personal injury lawyer with a scientific background. Attorney Janelle Bailey’s history in the field gives her an edge in personal injury cases.
- You will not pay a penny unless we win your case. Washington Injury Law is a contingency fee firm. We do not charge for our services unless we secure the client a monetary award.
- You will always speak to an attorney, not an assistant. We do not pass our clients off to paralegals or assistants. You will be able to talk to a lawyer every time you call.
Will You Need a Seattle Dram Shop Lawyer’s Help?
Dram shop cases can be difficult to win without help from an attorney. It will be up to you to navigate the state’s laws and prove that an alcohol vendor or social host is at least partially responsible for your damages. Hiring an accident lawyer can make the legal process much easier on you and your family. A Seattle dram shop attorney can determine all appropriate defendants, gather evidence, and present your case before a judge and jury in pursuit of fair compensation.
Washington Dram Shop Laws
Washington State law holds that an injured victim may bring a civil lawsuit against either the vendor or social host who sold or served alcohol to the intoxicated person, in certain situations. Traditionally, the law only applied to intoxicated minors under the age of 21. In 2004, however, lawmakers extended the rule to also include adult patrons, as long as the patron was obviously intoxicated or apparently under the influence. The vendor may be liable if it should not have served the individual, but did so anyway, and then the individual went on to cause injuries or death to others.
How to Prove a Dram Shop Liability Claim in Seattle
If you recently suffered serious injuries because of the actions or conduct of an intoxicated individual in Seattle, you may have grounds for a claim against the individual and/or the dram shop for damages. To hold the dram shop liable, you or your dram shop attorney will need to file a claim within three years of the date of the injury. You will then need to prove the dram shop or social host’s accountability for your injuries, through a preponderance of the evidence. Evidence may include eyewitness testimony and expert witness statements. A Seattle dram shop lawyer can help you with every aspect of your claim.
Damages Available in a Dram Shop Claim
Dram shop claims in Washington serve to reimburse accident victims or their surviving family members for damages the defendant caused or contributed to. These damages can vary in type and severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. In a serious car accident from drunk driving, for example, plaintiffs may seek recovery for funeral and burial expenses and loss of consortium with the help of a Seattle car accident attorney. Other potential damages in a dram shop claim include personal injuries, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death. In a case where the victim passes away, a Seattle wrongful death attorney can help the family file charges against the negligent party.
Speak to Our Seattle Dram Shop Attorneys Today
Learn the value and strength of your potential dram shop injury claim today, during a free and confidential consultation at Washington Injury Law. Our local dram shop attorneys in Seattle can review the facts of your case and help you take the next step toward compensation. One or more parties may owe you money for your damages. Find out more today. Call or contact us online.