Boca Raton Dram Shop Lawyer

If you have been injured by an intoxicated person in the state of Florida, the liability may not fall only on that person. When alcohol is involved in an accident or a crime, the way the defendant procured the alcohol can have an impact on the division of liability.

It is vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible to quickly establish clear liability. In South Florida, there is no better representation for dram shop liability cases than Dyson Law, PLLC.

What Is a Dram Shop?

Originating from Medieval Latin, the word dram was used to describe a measurement of alcohol: less than a teaspoon. 

Now, the phrase dram shop is used as an American legal term for any establishment that sells or serves alcohol. That may include a bar, pub, tavern, restaurant, liquor store, or another commercial establishment.

Florida’s Dram Shop Laws

In Florida, like everywhere else in the United States, it is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. It is also illegal for an establishment to knowingly give alcohol to someone that is recognized to be habitually addicted to alcohol, meaning that they are reliant on or frequently seek out alcohol. 

In either of these cases, if a dram shop serves someone underage or someone is known to be an alcoholic, they can be held liable for the individual’s actions while they are under the influence.

In Florida, the law regarding serving alcoholics has been established as referring to providing alcohol that will be consumed immediately, or on the premises, like in a bar or restaurant. In grocery stores or liquor stores, where the spirits are in sealed containers and are intended for later consumption, it is not illegal to sell alcohol to an alcoholic.

Social Host Liability in Boca Raton

Social hosts are defined as individuals who serve alcohol at private gatherings. For example, if someone is hosting a New Year’s Eve party and they serve champagne, they would be a social host, as opposed to an alcohol vendor. The key differences here are that the alcohol is not being sold and that the gathering is on private property.

In Florida, social hosts are sometimes able to be held liable for the actions of their party guests.. Your lawyer can help you with this, determining whether you’ll be eligible for a lawsuit against the intoxicated person, social host, or other parties. 

Time Limits in Boca Raton Dram Shop Cases

In Florida, a dram shop liability case must be filed within four years of the recorded injury or property damage. If it has been longer than four years, it is unlikely to be brought to court. However, some special circumstances may negate the four-year statute. For wrongful death cases involving dram shop liability, this time limit is two years.

Luckily, your dram shop attorney in Boca Raton can help you meet that deadline. Your lawyer has the experience to act now, not later, to prepare your claim within the statute of limitations. 

Talk to a Dram Shop Lawyer in Boca Raton

If you are looking for a reliable, compassionate attorney in Boca Raton to represent you in a dram shop liability case, reach out to the team at Dyson Law PLLC. With years of experience working with all varieties of personal injury cases in South Florida, these lawyers will be able to handle your case quickly, professionally, and efficiently.

Call Dyson Law, PLLC today for a free consultation at 561-498-9979, or you can fill out the following online contact form.