Bar Owner Liability

What Are Your Legal Options?

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be curious about your legal options, including the value of any possible claims. You may be able to recover the money spent on medical bills and wages from lost work. Give us a call. We will begin an investigation immediately and have answers for you quickly.

The Responsibilities of Bar Owners: Ohio Law

In Ohio, people who serve alcoholic beverages can be held legally responsible for damage caused by intoxicated patrons. These laws are called "dram shop liability laws" because bars and taverns were once referred to as dram shops. In Ohio, dram shop liability laws hold the owners of restaurants, bars (and other commercial establishments where alcohol is sold) responsible for the damage caused by drunk drivers in the following situations:

• When an establishment continues to serve an individual who is noticeably intoxicated, and this individual causes injury to another person.
• When an establishment knowingly serves alcohol to a minor, who later causes injury.

You May Be Entitled to Punitive Damages

Some victims of drunk driving accidents are awarded punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are awarded to compensate a victim for injuries, punitive damages are intended to punish the offender.

Call us today at 800-280-0070 to learn more about your rights, or complete our online form.

What about Costs?

We collect no attorneys' fees unless and until you recover on your claim, whether by settlement or by jury verdict. We commit substantial resources to investigate your case, hire expert witnesses, and cover other necessary expenses. If we win, we recover these expenditures. If not, you owe us nothing.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Your privacy is always held in the highest regard at Friedman, Domiano & Smith. There's never a charge for a consultation. Our main office is located in downtown Cleveland, and we have locations throughout Ohio.