The business must have knowingly served alcohol to the intoxicated patron. They may state their employees they didn’t know the person was already drunk. Your lawyer will compile evidence, like witness statements and video footage, to counter this argument. How many drinks did they serve? Did employees take measures to prevent the customer from drinking and driving?
Because wrongful death laws vary by state, local knowledge is crucial. Pracht Injury Lawyers has proudly served the people of South Carolina for years. Christopher Pracht graduated cum laude from the Charleston School of Law. He formed his law practice in Anderson in 2009 and has been helping local families ever since.
Importance of Holding Bars and Restaurants Responsible
Enforcing dram shop liability in cases like these can serve as a powerful deterrent. It not only holds the one bar or restaurant responsible for contributing to a tragic loss, but it also reminds other establishments to adopt stricter policies. This proactive approach helps prevent future incidents and improve public safety.
Notably, criminal charges and civil wrongful death claims are separate cases. They may lean on similar evidence, but families can only recover losses through civil action. In the spirit of justice, it also means legal liability is equitably shared. The drunk driver may be to blame for the accident. But, the bar overserved alcohol to an already inebriated patron.
Compensation You May Recover in a Dram Shop Case
Following a fatal DUI car accident, families may seek such wrongful death damages as:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Funeral and burial costs
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Punitive damages
Pracht Injury Lawyers has a proven track record of seeking top compensation for every case. We helped one client injured by a drunk driver receive a $250,000 award to help them move forward.
Get Answers From an Anderson, SC Wrongful Death Lawyer
Understanding how wrongful death cases work in South Carolina is complicated. Different factors impact every case, and emotional trauma makes the process even more difficult. But remember, if your loved one was killed by a drunk driver in a car accident, you have the legal right to hold all liable parties responsible.
Trust in our knowledge and experience. We’re here for you. As one client put it, Pracht Injury Lawyers is “the best in the upstate! They truly care about their clients and work hard to deliver amazing results."