Wisconsin law generally provides immunity to sellers and providers of alcohol for injuries caused by an intoxicated person, subject to limited statutory exceptions. However, some exceptions may allow victims of DUIs and related accidents to take legal action against dram shop owners.
Working with a DUI accident lawyer in Milwaukee may allow you to argue that a dram shop knowingly sold alcohol to a minor, forced a person to consume alcohol, or claimed a drink didn’t have alcohol in it before a serious accident. In these limited situations, you may have grounds to bring a civil claim under Wisconsin’s dram shop liability exceptions.
Our legal team can answer questions like, “What is the dram shop law in Wisconsin?” and outline whether or not you have the right to pursue a case against a dram shop owner in the wake of a recent accident. To learn more, make One Call…That’s All!
What Is a Dram Shop?
The term “dram shop” used to be a slang term that the general public used to refer to a place that sold liquor in “drams,” or controlled measurements.
Our Milwaukee personal injury lawyers recognize that it’s an archaic term today, but “dram” is still used to refer to places that sell regulated alcohol. Today’s dram shops may include restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, and bars.
Dram shop laws are statutes that impact the liability that stores like these take on when selling controlled substances like alcohol.
For a free legal consultation, call (414) 276-6666
When Is a Dram Shop Responsible for a Person’s Well-Being?
In Wisconsin, civil statutes note that those institutions that might still be considered dram shops do not have to assume liability caused by accidents that stem from a person’s consumption of the alcohol they sell. In other words, victims of car accidents typically cannot sue the grocery store that sold alcohol to the liable driver.
There are, however, a few exceptions to this statute. According to Wis. Stat. § 125.035(3) and Wis. Stat. § 125.035(4), accident victims do have the right to hold dram shops liable for accidents if those shops:
- Forced the acting party to consume alcohol
- Alleged that a certain drink or product didn’t contain alcohol when it actually did
- Provided alcohol to underage consumers
When Should You Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Milwaukee?
Should you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident and under the impression that a dram shop may be to blame, don’t wait to secure legal representation. It is generally advisable not to speak with insurers or business representatives before consulting an attorney.
The sooner you can contact a lawyer, the easier it may be to fight for the compensation you deserve from a negligent driver as well as dram shop representatives. Fortunately, our law firm offers case consultations free of charge and will not pressure you to take a certain course of action should you choose to fight for justice after an accident.
Working With Our Office Doesn’t Cost You a Dime Up Front
You don’t pay any money up front to benefit from our team’s legal services. We understand that you’re dealing with a significant financial burden in the wake of a collision involving the inappropriate consumption of alcohol. We are not here to add to that burden.
Instead, we:
- Offer free case consultations that do not lock you into a course of legal action
- Begin building your case without requesting a deposit or retainer
- Refuse to send you service bills while your case is in progress
- Only receive compensation for our available services after we’ve won your case
If you’ve got questions about your right to invoke the dram shop law in Wisconsin, contact our team and book your case evaluation today.
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Asking for Damages After Drunk Driving Accidents
When asking for compensation based on your losses, you can work with an experienced attorney to ask for damages based on your:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries, physical therapy, and other essential treatments
- Property damage and the restorative process
- Benefits lost during time spent away from work
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
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Working With an Experienced Milwaukee DUI Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover From Your Recent Losses
Wisconsin’s dram shop law does not allow most people to hold a bar, liquor store, or restaurant liable for accidents caused when other people drink the alcohol that it sells.
However, if you meet the criteria established in the state’s dram law liability statute, you may have the right to name a dram store partially liable for the losses you sustained due to someone’s intoxicated behavior.
Our Milwaukee DUI accident attorneys want to make it as easy as possible for you to build a case against the parties who put you in harm’s way. You can book a free case consultation with our team to discuss how our contingency-based services might help you demand a settlement that accounts for all of your accident-related expenses.
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
