Liquor Liability

Businesses that serve alcohol expect their employees or patrons to have a good time and act in a responsible manner. What they don’t expect is to find out that they are liable for the actions of an intoxicated person. While the vast majority of businesses serve alcohol without incident, the harsh reality is that liquor liability lawsuits are filed each day, and all it takes is a single liquor liability claim to put your entire business at risk.

Regardless of whether you have a full service bar or offer beer tastings after tours, liquor liability is essential to cover damages caused by patrons who claim to have been over-served at your establishment or even off of your premises with beer they purchased from you.

When it comes to alcohol-related incidents, there is no shortage of things that can go wrong. These incidents can lead to costly judgments against your business, forfeiture of your liquor license or even criminal proceedings:

Drunk driving incidents—Businesses can be held liable for the damages created by drunk drivers who were inappropriately served.
Fighting—Fights and assaults are among the most common causes for liquor liability claims.
Sexual assault and harassment—Businesses can be at fault if someone becomes intoxicated at their establishment or event and sexually assaults or harasses another individual.
Trips, slips, falls and other accidents—If these incidents occur as the result of alcohol consumption, a business may face a premise liability claim.
Alcohol poisoning—The overconsumption of alcohol is all too common. In some cases, overconsumption can lead to alcohol poisoning, a common source of liquor liability claims.