When a bar owner opens their establishment to the public, they take on a legal duty to safeguard patrons’ safety and well-being. When that duty is breached, the consequences can be devastating, including violent assaults on the premises and drunk driving crashes that leave families permanently changed.
At Winocour Law, we understand how quickly a night out can turn into a life-altering tragedy. Our attorneys Jonathan Winocour and Mike C. Miller have deep knowledge of Texas Dram Shop laws and other relevant statutes that allows us to hold establishments accountable for their negligence, and maximize compensation for injury victims and their families in Dallas and throughout North Texas.
The Dangers of Bar Owner Negligence
Some of the most dangerous and all-too common ways a bar owner’s negligence can lead to an injury or even a wrongful death include:
- Negligent security: Failing to provide adequate protection can allow fights, assaults, or other dangerous incidents.
- Overserving patrons: Serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated customers increases the risk of drunk driving accidents or violence.
- Improperly maintained premises: Slippery floors, broken furniture, and other hazards can result in falls and other accidents that should have been prevented.
- Serving minors: Allowing underage drinking creates liability for any harm caused by the minor.
If you have questions regarding how to sue a bar for negligence in Texas, we understand and we can help. Our trial-tested lawyers know how to gather crucial evidence, hold bar owners accountable, and fight for the full compensation you deserve after an injury or loss.
When Bar Owner Negligence Leads to Drunk Driving Accidents
When a drunk driver causes an injury or death, all responsible parties should be held accountable, including the bar or other establishment that overserved an intoxicated patron.
Texas’ Dram Shop laws address the liability of alcohol-serving establishments when they contribute to injuries or deaths caused by intoxicated patrons. These laws not only help victims obtain fair compensation, but also promote safer communities by holding bars accountable and discouraging overservice that can lead to drunk driving accidents.
Suing a bar under Texas’ Dram Shop laws is a complex process, however. Mistakes and oversights could derail your claim and prevent you from obtaining the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Keys to successfully suing a bar after a drunk driving accident include:
1. Proving the Bar’s Liability
To hold a bar responsible for a drunk driving accident, you must demonstrate that the establishment:
- Served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who was a clear danger to themselves or others, in violation of Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 2.02
- Neglected to take steps to prevent foreseeable harm, such as stopping service or arranging a safe ride home for the patron
- Failed to properly train staff or maintain safe service practices, increasing the risk of harm
Drawing a clear link between the bar’s actions and the resulting accident is essential to a successful claim. This is why it is so important to consult with a Dallas Dram Shop lawyer who knows how to successfully bring a lawsuit against a bar and fully leverage Texas liquor liability laws to their full extent.
2. Gathering Evidence
At the heart of every Dram Shop case is clear and compelling evidence. We tenaciously pursue all available facts and evidence to prove bar owner negligence, including footage from security cameras, bar receipts, witness testimony, and police reports, ensuring our claims are backed by concrete facts.
3. Maximizing Compensation
Recovering damages involves more than just proving the accident occurred. Your legal team can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages to penalize egregious negligence. The goal is to make sure victims are fully compensated for both the economic and non-economic losses caused by the bar’s irresponsibility.
By suing a bar for negligence in your Texas Dram Shop liability claim, you can open additional avenues of compensation while sending a clear message: Irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated when innocent lives are on the line.
Our Dram Shop Case Results
$3m Settlement in a Texas Dram Shop Wrongful Death Action
$925k Settlement in a Texas Dram Shop Wrongful Death Action
$560k Settlement in a Texas Dram Shop Wrongful Death Action
Get Strong Legal Guidance From Trial-Tested Lawyers
If you need effective legal representation for a Dram Shop case in Dallas or anywhere in the DFW Metroplex or East Texas, Winocour Law is here for you. Our Dram Shop lawyers have the trial experience necessary to exert maximum pressure on bar owners and their insurance providers. We are always prepared for courtroom advocacy when a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced member of our legal team.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jonathan Winocour, Founder & Principal Attorney
Jonathan Winocour represents individuals who have been injured or harmed, providing legal representation, guidance, and support during some of the most difficult times in their lives. With a calm, deliberate approach and a strong focus on courtroom preparation, Mr. Winocour handles complex civil and constitutional cases in both state and federal courts across Texas.
Mike C. Miller, Of Counsel
Mike C. Miller is a Texas board-certified personal injury lawyer dedicated to standing beside clients during difficult times, providing compassionate guidance and esteemed representation for individuals, families, and businesses seeking justice and compensation.
With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Miller has built a deep-rooted reputation for tenacious advocacy on behalf of Texans with life-altering legal challenges.