Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law
In this day and age, everyone should know the dangers of drunk driving, yet it remains a persistent problem on our nation’s roadways. This is especially true in Pennsylvania. Sadly, our state ranked number four in the nation for drunk driving accidents in 2006, with a total of 556 alcohol-related traffic fatalities that year.
Legislators have tried many different policies to minimize the occurrence of such tragedies. One technique was to pass a law called the Dram Shop Act. The goal of this Act is to discourage bars and restaurants from over-serving customers by holding them responsible for the harm any intoxicated customers inflict on others.
If you have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be interested in legal action against the parties responsible. The Pennsylvania dram shop law attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can help you make sound legal decisions during this difficult time. Call us at 610-667-7511 to learn more about your legal options.
Filing a Lawsuit under the Dram Shop Act
According to the Dram Shop Act, an establishment can be held legally responsible for serving or selling alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated. If that person goes on to harm someone else as a result of being intoxicated – for example, by causing a car crash – the victim or his family can file a legal claim against both the intoxicated person and the party who served him.
The law does not allow the family of the intoxicated person to sue the establishment, even if he also lost his life in the accident. However, the victim’s family can receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral costs
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Loss of the decedent’s income and benefits
- Emotional pain and suffering
Our Pennsylvania drunk driving wrongful death lawyers can help you determine whether pursuing such a claim is the right choice for your family.
Contact Us
The Pennsylvania dram shop law attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. strive to handle each case we take on with efficiency and compassion. Contact our offices today at 610-667-7511 to schedule a free consultation.