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Dram Shop Litigation

As more states adopt laws imposing liability on licensed dispensers of alcohol, our dram shop litigators serve as the first line of defense for businesses facing alcohol-related claims. We are different from other lawyers, and we are proud of that. We attack these high-exposure cases from a different angle, deploying a more aggressive and tactical approach. From the start, we bring the right attorneys to the table to ensure all facets of the business are protected. This includes helping clients mitigate the reputational and operational impacts and strategically manage investor relations.

Our team represents a variety of restaurants, bars, and social establishments in the defense of dram shop liability claims. This highly specialized area of the law requires deep familiarity with a client’s culture, training practices, and marketing goals. We invest time to understand each client’s needs and objectives, whether the client is a national restaurant chain or a local establishment. By sharing best practices, our team continues to deliver successful results both in and outside the courtroom.

Key Contacts

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Jeremiah A. Byrne

Practice Group Leader

Louisville, KY

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D. Christopher Robinson

Partner

Louisville, KY

Dram Shop Experience Highlights 
  • Wrongful Death – Kentucky – Gained a summary judgment in favor of a national restaurant chain in a dram shop lawsuit related to a two-death motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff sought damages in excess of $8 million.
  • Wrongful Death/Serious Physical Injury – Illinois – Successfully defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop lawsuit stemming from a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of one occupant and serious physical injury to the other.
  • Serious Personal Injury – Georgia – Obtained a dismissal for a national restaurant chain in a dram shop personal injury matter related to a motor vehicle accident.
  • Wrongful Death/Serious Injury – Texas – Defended national restaurant chain in a dram shop claim arising from a fiery collision between two vehicles that led to the death of three individuals and serious injury of three more.
  • Serious Injury – New Jersey – Defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop claim arising from a collision between two vehicles that resulted in serious injury.
  • Wrongful Death – Kentucky – Defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop wrongful death claim resulting from a collision between a moped and a semi-truck.
  • Wrongful Death – Kentucky – Successfully defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop claim resulting from a collision between vehicle and freight train.
  • Serious Injury – Indiana – Successfully defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop lawsuit stemming from a motor vehicle versus building collision resulting in serious injury
  • Serious Injury – Tennessee – Successfully defended a social club in dram shop lawsuit resulting from a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injury
  • Serious Injury – Ohio – Successfully defended a national chain restaurant in a dram shop lawsuit arising from motor vehicle collision resulting in multiple serious injuries
  • Serious Injury – Florida – Successfully defended a national restaurant chain in a dram shop lawsuit stemming from motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injury

Related Insights

From new laws and judicial trends to best practices in litigation prevention and management, we keep clients up to speed on issues relevant to their business.

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