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Those who serve alcohol have a responsibility to their patrons and the community to ensure their actions do not cause harm to others. When they fail to uphold this responsibility, the consequences result in traumatic events. At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact these incidents can have on individuals and families, which is why we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those affected.
At Sweeney Meerigan Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cambridge dram shop attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving overserving of alcohol, and we have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that govern these types of cases. We have a proven track record of success representing clients who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones as a result of the negligence of bars, restaurants, and other establishments. Contact us today by calling 617-391-9001 or filling out our contact form to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you seek justice and compensation for your losses.
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In Massachusetts, dram shop laws hold establishments responsible for serving alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated or to minors. These laws are in place to help prevent drunk driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by alcohol-related incidents.
Under Massachusetts law, a person is considered “visibly intoxicated” when they show clear signs of impairment, such as slurred speech, inadequate motor coordination, and poor balance. If an establishment serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person causes injury or harm to someone else, the establishment can be held liable for damages.
Additionally, Massachusetts law prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors. If an establishment serves alcohol to someone under the age of 21 and that person causes injury or harm to someone else, the establishment can be held liable for damages.
Establishments must be aware of these laws and take steps to prevent overserving and selling alcohol to minors. One way to do this is by providing proper training for staff members on identifying and handling customers who are visibly intoxicated or underage. This can include training on how to refuse service, how to identify fake IDs, and how to recognize signs of intoxication.
Establishments can also implement policies to prevent overserving and ensure customers are not served beyond their limits. This can include monitoring the number of drinks each customer is served, providing non-alcoholic options, and offering food to customers who are drinking.
It is also important to note that Massachusetts is a comparative negligence state, which means both parties involved in an accident can be held responsible for damages. For example, if a drunk driver causes an accident and injures someone, the driver can be liable for damages. However, if the establishment that served alcohol to the driver knew or should have known that the driver was intoxicated and continued to serve them, the establishment can also be held responsible for damages.
As stated, to have a valid case for dram shop liability in Boston, you must be able to prove that the establishment served alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or to a minor and that this led to the injury or harm of a third party. You must also prove that the establishment knew or should have known that the person they were serving was intoxicated or underage.
To build a strong case, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports. Your Cambridge dram shop liability lawyer will also need to conduct a thorough investigation into the establishment and its practices, including how they train their staff and monitor alcohol consumption. It’s essential to work with an experienced dram shop attorney in Cambridge who can help you navigate the complexities of these types of cases and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Being injured due to the actions of an intoxicated individual can be a potentially traumatic and painful experience. It’s never easy to deal with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. At Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a deep understanding of Massachusetts dram shop laws and can provide you with the legal representation you need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you seek justice and compensation for your losses.
If you have suffered injuries and other losses due to a drunk driving incident, we urge you to reach out to our team at Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers. Our firm has received recognition from reputable outlets such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers, so you can trust us to work tirelessly to obtain the results you deserve. Our team includes esteemed Cambridge dram shop liability attorneys, including Erin E. McHugh, who was named a Super Lawyers 2022 Rising Star.
Contact Sweeney Merrigan Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your case, obtain valuable information, and address any concerns or questions you may have. You can reach us by calling (617) 391-9001 or completing our contact form at your earliest convenience. Our Cambridge dram shop liability lawyers are eager to hear from you and learn more about your situation.
Attorneys at Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP have been recognized and honored by several of the top legal associations, including SuperLawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, and Best Lawyers.
Sweeney Merrigan Law, LLP is a highly successful personal injury law firm serving Massachusetts since 2011.
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