When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Dram Shop Liability in North Carolina

Pursuing All Available Avenues for Compensation after a Drunk Driving Accident

If you were hit by a drunk driver or if your loved one was killed by someone driving while intoxicated, it may seem obvious that the drunk driver is liable. Though this may be the case, the drunk driver may not be the only liable party.

Under North Carolina’s dram shop liability law, an establishment that serves alcohol—such as a restaurant, bar, or similar business—may be liable if it is proven that the drunk driver in question was over-served. In order to prove the drunk driver was over-served, you will need to show that the establishment could clearly see that the individual was intoxicated (or was a minor), yet continued to serve him/her alcohol.

At Lanier Law Group, we stand up for anyone who is injured by a drunk driver. Our legal team can investigate your case, gather all applicable medical records and evidence, and assist you in filing a dram shop claim against the bar or restaurant that supplied alcohol to the driver who caused your damages.

Contact us at 919-342-1368 for a free, over-the-phone case evaluation or request a free in-person consultation. We have multiple office locations throughout the state of North Carolina.

What Is a Dram Shop Claim?

If you suffer any type of damages—from bodily injury to property damage to the loss of a loved one—because of a drunk driver, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver. Our North Carolina dram shop liability lawyers are experienced in handling these types of complex claims. We never back down from tough fights and we are well-equipped to handle the challenges involved in your case.

For your dram shop claim to be successful, you must prove that:

A bar, restaurant, tavern, or other merchant served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual or a minor
As a result of being over-served alcohol, the individual became impaired
The impaired individual operated a motor vehicle
The impaired driver caused you harm

Proving these elements requires an in-depth understanding of the law and how it applies to your case. At Lanier Law Group, we recommend that you work with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney to better your chances of a favorable outcome.

Compensation in Dram Shop Liability Claims

Just like in other types of car accident and drunk driving claims, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages in dram shop liability cases. In many instances, it can be difficult to actually collect the compensation you are due from an impaired driver. This may be because the drunk driver’s insurance policy limit is not high enough, and/or because he or she does not have the necessary assets to afford your rightful settlement or verdict. Taking action against a liable establishment may allow you to collect the compensation you need and are owed for your damages.

Depending on the exact nature of your case, as well as the various circumstances involved, you may be able to seek compensation for the following damages:

Initial emergency medical transport
Medical treatment, including ongoing care
Lost income and/or wages
Lost or reduced earning capacity (disability)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage (if, for example, your vehicle was damaged)

Additionally, if your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue wrongful death litigation for which you may seek compensation for things like funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and more.

Statute of Limitations for Dram Shop Claims in North Carolina

The statute of limitations, or time you have to file a claim, for dram shop liability claims in North Carolina is one year from the date of the accident/injury. Because of this, our attorneys work quickly to file your claim as soon as possible.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Respected Personal Injury Firm

After a devastating drunk driving accident, Lanier Law Group is here to fight for your right to compensation. We have 10 offices located throughout North Carolina in Burlington, Durham, Piedmont Triad, Asheville, Greenville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. We offer legal services in English and Spanish and provide all our services on a contingency fee basis—you owe us nothing unless you obtain a settlement.

To schedule a free initial consultation with one our North Carolina dram shop liability attorneys, call us at 919-342-1368 or contact us online.

We Won't Back Down

Fighting for Your Rights, Winning Maximum Recovery

100% Free Consults

First Name

Last Name

Phone

Are you a new client?

How can we help you?

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Drunk Driving Accident

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$5.95 Million

Permanent Brain Failure

Our client had a brick fly off of a utility trailer and go through their windshield and hit her on the face.

$4.3 Million

Head-On Collision

Personal injury litigation settlement for a client who was involved in a head-on collision with a commercial tractor-trailer.

$1.8 Million

Litigation Settlement

Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a meat truck.

$1.2 Million

Pedestrian Accident

A settlement against a trucking company who struck pedestrian leading to amputation.

$993,135.67

Truck Accident

A trucking company’s driver crashed an 18-wheeler into the side of our client’s car as she attempted to make a left turn.

$736,717.55

T-Bone Collision

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Don't Hire Just Any Firm

Take Control of Your Case Today With the Help of Lanier Law Group

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.