If you were injured in an accident involving overserved alcohol in St. Louis, Missouri, you may be unsure where to turn for answers. In some cases, Missouri dram shop laws may allow victims to pursue compensation if a bar, restaurant, or alcohol vendor negligently served alcohol to someone who later caused a crash. The St. Louis dram shop accident attorneys at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may have a claim. Contact our team to discuss your rights and possible next steps.
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St. Louis Dram Shop Lawyer
In St. Louis and throughout Missouri, legal responsibility for a drunk driving accident may extend beyond the at-fault driver. Under the state’s dram shop law (§ 537.053 RSMo), an alcohol-serving establishment may be held civilly liable as a third party if it knowingly provides alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or to someone under the age of 21 who later causes harm. This type of third-party liability recognizes that those who contribute to the conditions leading to a crash may share in the responsibility for its consequences.
With more than 40 years of proven success, Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien has the experience and insight necessary to handle complex car accident claims. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys are well-versed in navigating dram shop cases, including the evidentiary challenges and legal standards required to hold establishments accountable under Missouri law. We work to build strong claims and fight for full and fair compensation that reflects the true impact of your losses.
Missouri Dram Shop Laws
The term “dram shop” originates from the old British practice of selling liquor by the “dram,” a small unit of liquid measure. Over time, laws governing the liability of these establishments became known as dram shop laws.
Under Missouri’s dram shop law, licensed establishments that serve alcohol are generally not liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons, except in two specific circumstances. A bar, restaurant, or nightclub may be held civilly liable if it knowingly serves alcohol to a patron who is:
- Under the age of 21: Missouri law prohibits licensed establishments from serving alcohol to individuals under 21. If an establishment knowingly serves, or allows alcohol to be served to, a minor who subsequently causes an accident, the business may be held civilly liable for any resulting injuries or damages under the state’s dram shop statute.
- Visibly intoxicated: An establishment may also face liability if it knowingly serves alcohol to a patron who is visibly intoxicated at the time of service. Indicators of visible intoxication may include slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired coordination, or belligerent behavior.
Further, in Missouri, a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is not the determining factor in a dram shop case. Instead, liability focuses on whether the alcohol-serving establishment knowingly provided alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age at the time of service.
While BAC may support a claim, it is not required to prove that the patron appeared visibly impaired when the alcohol was served.
Confused about dram shop liability in St. Louis, MO? We are here to answer your questions.
Pursuing Full Accountability in Dram Shop Claims in St. Louis
A drunk driving accident can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, our attorneys understand that establishing dram shop liability involves more than proving that the at-fault driver was intoxicated.
It requires a focused investigation to determine whether an establishment unlawfully served alcohol in violation of Missouri law — and whether that act contributed to the crash. Our team conducts thorough, evidence-driven investigations to identify all responsible parties and pursue every viable source of compensation on our clients’ behalf.
As part of this process, we may:
- Obtain surveillance footage from the bar or restaurant showing how much the patron was served.
- Interview bartenders, servers, and witnesses to determine whether the signs of intoxication were obvious or ignored.
- Review credit card receipts or sales records to establish how many drinks were served and over what period of time.
- Analyze police reports and toxicology results to connect the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) to the point of service.
- Consult with alcohol service and toxicology experts to demonstrate how the establishment’s actions violated Missouri liquor laws.
By compiling this evidence, we work to demonstrate that the establishment’s unlawful service of alcohol contributed directly to the crash, and that both the intoxicated driver and the business may bear financial responsibility under Missouri law.
Potential Compensation
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to recover:
- Compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity resulting from injury
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases. They are intended to punish particularly egregious conduct and may substantially increase the total compensation awarded
Our attorneys know how to evaluate these claims and pursue the maximum recovery available under Missouri law.
Schedule a Free Consultation and Discuss Your St. Louis Dram Shop Claim With Our Legal Team
For over 40 years, Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. has provided exceptional client service in St. Louis County and across Missouri. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle even the most complex dram shop cases. We offer a no-fee guarantee, meaning you won’t have to pay us a penny unless we successfully resolve your case.
For more information on how our law firm can assist you, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team. We are ready to provide the top-quality legal representation you deserve and help get your life back on track after a drunk driving accident in St. Louis.
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