Dram Shop Liability Lawyer in South Carolina
Mark Bringardner is an excellent lawyer and I would recommend him to anyone. He is extremely trustworthy, responsive and exemplifies good customer service. Client satisfaction is his top priority. You will not be disappointed.
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When a bar, restaurant, or other establishment serves alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or underage, they may share responsibility for any injuries that person later causes.
These cases are known as dram shop liability claims, and they allow drunk driver accident victims to pursue compensation beyond just the drunk driver.
Our law firm has handled dozens of dram shop cases in South Carolina and has recovered millions for our clients.
What is Dram Shop Liability?
Dram shop liability is a legal doctrine that holds alcohol-serving businesses responsible when illegal or negligent alcohol service contributes to an accident.
In South Carolina, these cases typically involve situations where:
- Alcohol is served to an intoxicated person, or
- Alcohol is served to a minor
If that intoxication leads to a crash or injury, the establishment may be held financially responsible. In South Carolina, establishments that sell alcohol must maintain at least 1 million dollars of liquor liability insurance.
Why These Cases Require Immediate Action
Dram shop cases are often proven through evidence that can disappear quickly, including:
- Surveillance footage from bars or restaurants
- Receipts and transaction records
- Witness statements from staff or patrons
- Police reports and toxicology results
Because businesses are not required to keep footage indefinitely, early investigation is critical to preserving a claim. Surveillance video often records over itself within a short period of time.
Compensation in a Dram Shop Case
Victims of dram shop-related accidents may recover damages for:
Medical Expenses – Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future care
Lost Income -Wages missed during recovery and reduced future earning capacity
Pain and Suffering -Physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term impact on quality of life
Punitive damages may be available when an establishment’s conduct is especially reckless. Punitive damages are intended to punish and deter bad conduct.
Dram shop claims are pursued alongside a drunk driving injury claim, increasing the total available recovery.
→ Drunk Driving Accident
Why Choose Bringardner Injury Law Firm
Dram shop cases require fast investigation and aggressive evidence preservation.
Our firm focuses on:
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Securing time-sensitive evidence before it is lost
- Building strong liability cases against both drivers and establishments
- Preparing every case as if it were going to trial from the beginning
We are available 24/7 for consultations across South Carolina.
Disclaimer Regarding Fees and Past Results
Any reference to a “Free Consultation,” “No Fee Unless You Recover,” or similar language is subject to fees and costs associated with your case. Past results, including settlement and verdict amounts, do not guarantee future results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a bar for a drunk driving accident?
Yes, if the establishment overserved a visibly intoxicated person or served alcohol to a minor.
What if the drunk driver had no insurance?
You may still recover compensation through dram shop liability by holding the establishment accountable.
How do you prove a bar is responsible?
Liability is typically proven through receipts, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and expert analysis.
Do I need a DUI conviction to bring a dram shop case?
No. A criminal conviction is not required for a civil claim.
