Serious Personal Injury Law
Arizona Dram Shop Liability Lawyers for Injury Victims
Dram Shop Liability
Licensed establishments that serve alcohol in Arizona have a duty to do so safely and responsibly. Bars, restaurants and other establishments are not allowed to serve alcohol to a patron who is obviously intoxicated or who the seller knew or should have known posed a danger to the public.
Arizona liquor laws also govern the maximum amount of liquor, beer or wine that may be served to a patron at one time and the proper procedure for cutting off an intoxicated patron. Violation of these laws that cause injury or death to the patron or a third party can result in liability for the establishment.
Industry standards require licensed establishments to provide reasonable training to servers and bartenders, and to implement appropriate policies and procedures regarding the safe and responsible service of alcohol. Staff should monitor each customer’s alcohol consumption and detect early signs of impairment. Applicable law and industry standards also require establishments to take reasonable steps when it comes to safe transportation for departing patrons.
Dram Shop Liability in Arizona
“Dram shops” originate from the 1700s and refer to any establishment that provides alcohol to the public during its regular operation. Nowadays, dram shops include wineries, breweries, restaurants, bars, convenience stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and other establishments that sell alcohol. A licensed bar or restaurant can be held liable for injuries or property damage caused by an impaired individual if the following situations apply, as described in Arizona Revised Statutes 4-311, 4-312, and 4-244:
The laws of Arizona expressly prohibit social hosts from being liable for supplying alcohol to guests of the legal drinking age. But lawsuits against a social host who serves alcohol to underage guests are not prohibited by the law.
We see dram shop liability cases most commonly in the context of drivers impaired by alcohol consumed at a licensed establishment hurting or killing themselves or others. In that case, the bar or restaurant that served the alcohol to the driver may bear responsibility for the crash, in addition to the driver and his or her insurance company. Founded by a former criminal prosecutor of DUIs and other serious vehicular crimes such as manslaughter, Bailey Law Firm has impeccable qualifications to pursue cases on behalf of victims of the irresponsible service of alcohol. These cases require understanding of and experience with toxicologists, accident reconstruction experts and dram shop standard of care experts. Bailey Law Firm routinely works with a network of qualified experts to effectively prosecute dram shop cases.
What Damages Can Be Recovered?
Car accidents can result in devastating or eveb fatal injuries. The injured person may live with permanent catastrophic injuries that affect their ability to function and desperately need compensation for current and future expenses. In some cases, the intoxicated driver may have insufficient resources to pay these expenses. However, if liable, the dram shop that provided the alcohol will likely have far greater assets and insurance coverage available to compensate the victim.
Medical Expenses
Expenses related to the final treatment before death, including emergency care or hospital stays.
Loss of Income
Income the deceased would have earned and contributed to the household.
Property Damage
Reimbursement for income lost or reduced earning capacity due to the extent of your injuries.
Mental Anguish
The value of unpaid work the deceased provided
Pain and Suffering
Emotional trauma, grief, and life disruption resulting from the death.
Punitive Damages
Typically awarded in cases involving gross negligence or felony-level behavior, such as DUI, assault, or criminal neglect.
However, Arizona’s dram shop laws include an exemption: if the injured person knew the driver was intoxicated and was present when they consumed alcohol, the establishment is not liable.
Why Choose Bailey Law Firm?
At Bailey Law Firm, we bring trial experience, compassion, and results-driven advocacy to every dog bite case. Here are some advantages to partnering with us:
Former Prosecutors
Former prosecutors who know how to fight and win in court
Battle-Tested
Battle-tested trial attorneys respected throughout Arizona
Passionate
Passionate advocates for injury victims
Strong Network
Backed by a strong network of expert witnesses
Fluent in English and Spanish
Fluent in English and Spanish for inclusive legal support
We’re not just dram shop liability lawyers; we’re advocates. Our work holds establishments accountable for overserving alcohol and helps promote safer practices across Arizona.
Our team is passionate about protecting the public from the dangers of impaired driving. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to an establishment serving alcohol to an intoxicated or underage person, we are here to help.
Talk to an Arizona Dram Shop Liability Attorney Today
At Bailey Law Firm, we help victims of impaired drivers explore every possible avenue of liability under Arizona’s Dram Shop laws to pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us today.
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We handle dram shop liability cases on a contingency fee basis—so you don’t pay unless we win. We also offer second opinions and case reviews. Fill out the form below to schedule your consultation, and let’s hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol irresponsibly.
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