Minneapolis Liquor Liability Attorney
Liquor Liability Attorneys in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Accidents caused by drunk drivers seem very straightforward. Someone drinks until they are impaired, makes the irresponsible decision to get into their car, and causes an accident due to their inebriation. The liability seems to fall squarely on them, as it was their decisions that led to your injury. Sometimes, that is the entire claim. Other times though, there are additional claims that you can bring in. In Minnesota, we have dram shop or liquor liability laws that can place some liability on the establishment serving the at-fault driver.
If you have been injured due to the actions of a drunk driver, contact our Minneapolis liquor liability attorney at 612-Injured by calling (612) 465-8733. We will hold the drunk driver responsible for your injuries and investigate whether the serving establishment had a role in your accident, ensuring you are fairly compensated for your accident.
Why Choose 612-Injured for Liquor Liability Representation
Dram shop and liquor liability claims are complex and time-sensitive. These cases require fast investigation, knowledge of Minnesota statutes, and experience dealing with aggressive insurance defense teams. Our attorneys understand how to pursue claims against both intoxicated individuals and the establishments that overserved them.
- Experience With Minnesota Dram Shop Laws: Minnesota’s dram shop statutes impose specific legal requirements that must be met to hold a business liable. We know how to identify illegal alcohol sales to visibly intoxicated patrons or minors and connect those actions directly to your injuries.
- Rapid Evidence Preservation: Dram shop cases often hinge on receipts, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and staff observations. We act quickly to secure evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
- Handling Multiple Liable Parties: Liquor liability claims frequently involve more than one defendant, including the intoxicated individual, bars, restaurants, or social hosts. We coordinate claims to ensure no responsible party avoids accountability.
- Strong Negotiation With Insurance Companies: Dram shop insurers aggressively defend these claims. We handle all insurer communication and push back against low settlement offers.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Liquor liability cases at 612-Injured are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront legal fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
It Does Not Have to Be a Car Accident
A dram shop claim is not restricted to car accidents. If you were injured by a drunk individual that was overserved by an establishment serving liquor, you might have a claim. For example, if an inebriated patron stumbles into you while walking up the steps into a restaurant, knocks you down, and leaves you injured, you could have a claim against them and the restaurant.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Per Minnesota law, a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is an illegal level for driving. In 2021, 2,228 people suffered from injuries in alcohol-related crashes in Minnesota, highlighting the consequences of driving while intoxicated.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, the statute of limitations is two years. It is important to be aware of this if you are looking for compensation, though if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. This is particularly true if you have an accompanying dram shop liability claim, as timeliness is important when investigating these.
In the case where a loved one was killed in an accident with a drunk driver, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. This is a civil claim where eligible family can seek reimbursement for their loss. The wrongful death lawyers at 612-Injured have the necessary experience with these claims and can help you get the settlement you deserve.
Liquor Liability FAQs
What is a dram shop or liquor liability claim in Minnesota?
A dram shop claim is a type of personal injury claim that allows an injured person to seek compensation from a bar, restaurant, or liquor vendor that illegally served alcohol to someone who later caused harm. In Minnesota, these claims typically involve alcohol sales to a visibly intoxicated person or to a minor.
Can a bar or restaurant be held responsible for a drunk driving accident?
Yes, in certain situations. If an establishment illegally served alcohol to a person who was already visibly intoxicated or underage, and that person later caused an accident, the business may share liability for resulting injuries. Each case depends on evidence showing illegal alcohol service and a connection to the injury.
How do you prove that a business overserved alcohol?
Proving overservice often requires timely investigation. Evidence may include witness statements, receipts, surveillance footage, police reports, and testimony regarding the patron’s behavior. Because this evidence can disappear quickly, dram shop claims are especially time-sensitive.
How long do I have to file a liquor liability claim in Minnesota?
Minnesota law imposes strict deadlines on liquor liability and dram shop claims, and these deadlines may be shorter than those for standard personal injury cases. Because missing a deadline can bar recovery entirely, it is important to seek legal guidance as soon as possible after an alcohol-related injury.
What are Minnesota Dram Shop Laws?
The term “dram” is taken from an old English unit of alcohol served. Thus, dram shops became a moniker for establishments selling and distributing alcoholic drinks, where customers consume them on the premises. Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are common examples of dram shops.
In Minnesota, a dram shop law affects licensed alcohol vendors, holding them responsible for injuries and damages caused by an intoxicated person in cases where they illegally sold alcohol to them. If a bar or restaurant sells drinks to someone who is already clearly intoxicated or a minor and they get into an accident which causes an injury, the serving establishment could share in the liability of that personal injury.
When are Businesses Liable?
Businesses can be liable when they either continue to serve someone obviously intoxicated or minors. A minor, in regard to alcohol consumption in Minnesota, is anyone under 21.
There are several signs of intoxication. These include slurred speech, glassy eyes, stumbling, spilling drinks, rambling, loud speech, impaired coordination, and inappropriate behavior. Bars and restaurants are responsible for training staff to recognize these signs and stop service when necessary.
If a visibly intoxicated patron continues to be served and later causes injury, the establishment may be held partially liable. Because these cases depend on timely evidence, it is critical to contact a Minnesota dram shop attorney as soon as possible.
Social Host Liability
Social host liability may apply when an adult provides alcohol to a minor or allows alcohol consumption by a minor on property they control. If that minor becomes intoxicated and causes injury, the injured party may have a claim against the responsible adult.
Investigating a Dram Shop Claim Is a Complicated Process
Evidence must be gathered quickly to support a liquor liability claim. Witness statements, receipts, surveillance footage, and alcohol service records are often critical. Delays can result in lost evidence and weakened claims.
Actual Client Testimonials
“A rare blend of expertise and compassion…”
I had the pleasure of working with Ben Heimerl and Marci Wendt on a case for my father, and I can’t say enough about the incredible experience I had. Their professionalism, dedication, and strong work ethic stood out from day one. They were not only thorough and knowledgeable but also exceptionally kind and understanding throughout the entire process. I truly felt supported and heard every step of the way. It’s rare to find a team that combines legal expertise with such genuine compassion. I’m deeply grateful for their help and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal services.
Shirley Lagunas
“A fantastic job on my case…”
I have had a case going for over a year and Ben and his assistant Marci did a fantastic job getting my case settled and for the maximum amount that they could. Thank you Ben and Marci.
Shane Eckes
“A great legal team…”
A great legal team. They were very responsive to any questions and worked hard for my family.
Bradley Etzell
“Amazing people, so quick and helpful…”
I work with them and they are amazing people. So quick and helpful for me. I recommend to anyone. Thanks a lot for all.
Sika Adze
Why You Need a Minnesota Dram Shop Attorney
Liquor liability cases require an experienced attorney who understands Minnesota’s dram shop laws and insurance practices. The attorneys at 612-Injured know how to investigate these claims, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation from all responsible parties.
Proving Dram Shop Liability
To recover compensation from a dram shop, your attorney must prove that alcohol was illegally served and that the illegal service directly contributed to your injuries. This often requires corroborating evidence beyond employee recollection, including witnesses, video footage, and transaction records.
Compensation For Minnesota Car Accidents
Dram shop laws require licensed establishments to carry insurance. This allows injured victims to pursue compensation even when the intoxicated individual lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other related losses
- Property damage
Meet Our Attorneys
Our liquor liability and dram shop cases are handled by experienced Minnesota personal injury attorneys who know how to pursue accountability against intoxicated drivers and negligent alcohol providers.
View Our Case Results & Settlements
Our attorneys have secured significant recoveries for injury victims throughout Minnesota.
$2.05 Million
Wrongful Death – Trucking Accident
Recovered compensation for a family after a fatal crash involving multiple liable parties.
$750,000
Personal Injury – Slip and Fall
Secured compensation for serious injuries caused by unsafe premises.
Contact a Minneapolis Liquor Liability Lawyer Today
At 612-Injured, our Minneapolis liquor liability attorneys understand the investigative process involved in dram shop claims. If you have been injured by an intoxicated person, whether on the road or elsewhere, contact us today at (612) 465-8733.