Item: Katz Personal Injury Lawyers
Rating: 5
Author: Michael G.

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Dram Shop Liability

What Are Georgia Dram Shop Laws?

Dram shop laws make it possible to hold certain people or businesses responsible for injuries caused by an intoxicated person. Dram shop laws typically apply to:

Bars, restaurants, night clubs, convenience stores, liquor stores, grocery stores as well as concert and sports venues.
Waiters, party hosts, and other alcohol servers.

A lawsuit brought against one of the above individuals or businesses typically happens when they have served alcohol to a patron or guest, and that person injures someone else. For example, if a restaurant patron is served alcohol when he is visibly intoxicated, then drives a car and kills someone on the way home, the restaurant can be sued for damages. The victim can bring a civil action against the server and the owner of the restaurant. The purpose of dram shop laws is to prevent the selling of alcohol to individuals who are visibly impaired or to minors, and hold them liable for someone's injuries if they violate these laws.

What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Dram Shop Case

A plaintiff suing another person or entity under Georgia dram shop laws must prove—

Alcohol was served to the patron by the bar, restaurant, alcohol retailer, or even a host at a private party.
There is evidence that the server of alcohol noticed or should have noticed that the patron was intoxicated when serving him with alcohol.
There was also knowledge that the patron would soon be driving a motor vehicle when being served alcohol.
The patron caused injuries or other damages to a third party.

Proving fault of the alcohol provider can be a difficult task. The most important questions that arise are how visibly intoxicated the patron was before being served more alcohol, and did the server know that the person was going to drive a vehicle. These issues are also the reason why it is critical for an injury victim to hire a skilled attorney. In order to be successful in a case involving dram shop liability, it is extremely important that sufficient evidence is gathered to prove that the intoxicated person consumed the alcohol on the premises and that the restaurant, shop owner, party host or other defendant, knew that the person was intoxicated.

There are certain nuances on how to prove that the defendant had knowledge of the intoxication and that the intoxicated person would be driving a car shortly after leaving the premises. An experienced Georgia dram shop attorney will be able to investigate all the facts, such as the amount of alcohol served, who served it, and how long the patron was drinking at the alcohol provider’s premises.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by an intoxicated person, contact the legal team at Katz Wright Fleming & Dodson, LLC today at (404) 460-0101. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. We represent injury victims across the state of Georgia, including Atlanta, Marietta, Jonesboro, Columbus, and Athens.

★★★★★

I was in a head-on collision last year that put me in a wheelchair with a fractured femur. I needed an attorney and my cousin recommended this firm because he had used Briant Mildenhall for his accident. I was glad I called Briant because he always did what he said he would do and kept me informed. We settled with the insurance company and I'm happy with the result. If someone I know needs an attorney, I will tell them to call Briant because he will get the job done. Michael G.

After a head–on collision I had extremely serious injuries to my back and neck, and some internal injuries. I was airlifted to the hospital and started a huge amount of medical expenses accumulating. I hired a lawyer recommended by a friend but I was not satisfied. My cousin told me about this firm so I talked to Briant Mildenhall about handling the case. I was at ease from the get–go. Briant kept me informed all the way through, was always reassuring and did everything he said he would do. He helped us get the money we needed to get the treatment we needed. Briant was fantastic! Ronda W. (Car Accident)

I was in a car accident that was complicated from the start. I looked on the internet and called a few different lawyers but they turned me down after they heard my story. When I called this firm Lyn Dodson asked me to talk to her in person. I met with Lyn and Rob Katz and after hearing my story they were confident I had a case. They vigorously pursued my case and over time we built a trusting relationship. Lyn even took time to help me with the traffic issues and other aspects of the case. They were always on my side and talked to me about the advantages and disadvantages of my options... Robert W. (Car Accident)

After my car accident, I was looking for an attorney and came across the name Katz Wright Fleming & Dodson, LLC. My intuition told me to call. I called in and Briant Mildenhall talked to me. He was very clear and honest about my options. As the case went forward, Briant and the staff at the law office always answered my questions right away. I was very confident in Briant's legal ability. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommend Mr. Mildenhall and the firm to anyone who needs an attorney. Antonio J. (Car Accident)

I would recommend the law firm of Katz Wright Fleming & Dodson, LLC. Lyn Dodson was my attorney after my auto accident. I had confidence in her legal abilities and experience. She did a very good job for me. She was always there to answer the many questions I asked. The firm is very professional. Lyn always gave you her undivided attention. The firm, especially Lyn, worked with you like a long time friend. Joe B. (Auto Accident)

I am 100% satisfied. I called Rob the day after the accident. Everything he said that would happen did, every step of the way. He went beyond what we needed him to do. I would definitely use him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer. Steve H.

Robert Katz isn't your average personal injury lawyer. He has specialized knowledge and experience that the others don't. Timothy W. (Trucking Accident)

I have nothing but good and positive things to say about Rob. One of the unique things about my case was that I was involved in a bicycle accident with another biker. He took an unorthodox case between two bicycle riders and he could see the logic and liability in it. I was very happy with the result. Rodney H. (Bicycle Accident)

We just loved him to death. He acted like he cared about us, not just our case. He kept us posted on everything. He even called us on Sundays to update us. My case involved a rear-end collision where I had herniated disks and I had had a prior back injury. Complicated as it was, we were very happy with the outcome. Kathy H. (Car accident)

Throughout the course of my case, Mr. Katz kept me informed about its status, returned my telephone calls and was very attentive to my needs and concerns. Simply put, he cared not just about my case, but about me. Joseph B.

I was, and still am, extremely satisfied with Rob's work and with the outcome of my case. Rob strives to be there for his clients, and I was no exception...I would happily recommend Rob to anyone who is seeking legal assistance after suffering a severe injury. Joey E.

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