3 Situations When a Bar or Club May Be Liable for Injuries

 Posted on September 27, 2021 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

The environment in a bar or club, where many patrons are consuming alcohol and experiencing its intoxicating effects, can unfortunately contribute to a higher risk of accidental injury. If you are injured at a bar, you may assume that the actions of a drunk individual, or even yourself, are to blame. However, bars, clubs, and other establishments that serve alcohol are expected to serve responsibly and to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for their customers. You may have a claim for compensation from the bar itself due to the negligence of the owner or an employee.

Here are three common situations in which a bar or club could be liable for a person’s injuries:

Drunk Driving Accidents

Illinois has a legal statute known as the “dram shop” act, which holds that a bar or club that serves alcohol may be liable for injuries that directly result from the intoxication of a patron. This statute can apply, for example, when a person was drinking at a bar and attempted to drive home under the influence, in the process causing a car accident and seriously injuring someone else. The victim in such a case may be able to recover compensation from both the driver and the bar where the driver was drinking. In order to recover compensation under the dram shop act, it may be necessary to show that the bar overserved the driver, or served the driver after knowing they were intoxicated.

Bar Fights

The dram shop act may also apply when a person who was drinking at a bar physically assaults and injures another person. In this case, it may be necessary to demonstrate that the person’s intoxication contributed to their aggressive behavior, as well as that the bar overserved them. If the assault happens inside the bar or on its premises, the bar could also be liable due to insufficient security, such as the lack of on-duty bouncers who can step in to stop a fight or remove an unruly patron.

Slip and Fall Accidents

A bar or club could also be held liable for conditions on the premises that present an unreasonable risk of injury. This could include wet and slippery floors due to spilled drinks or leaks, provided that the bar fails to take reasonable action to clean the spill or warn customers of the hazard. Other unaddressed hazards for which a bar may be liable include loose electrical cords or floor mats, or other obstructions that a customer could trip over.

Contact a Waukegan Personal Injury Attorney

At Salvi & Maher, LLP, we are committed to helping our clients identify all possible sources of compensation for their injuries. If a bar or club may have contributed to your injuries, we can help you file a personal injury claim and represent you in your efforts to hold the owner accountable. Call our Lake County personal injury lawyers today at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=023500050K6-21

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57