The law generally limits liability when an intoxicated adult causes injuries. However, the law also creates narrow exceptions when a person unlawfully provides alcohol to a minor or knowingly serves someone with a habitual addiction to alcohol. If an intoxicated person later causes an injury, those exceptions may support a claim against the person or business that furnished the alcohol.
A motor vehicle accident lawyer can examine who provided the alcohol and whether Florida law allows you to pursue compensation. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, a Coral Gables dram shop lawyer on our team can investigate the circumstances, preserve evidence, and identify responsible parties while you focus on recovery.
Florida Statutes § 768.125 generally protects people and businesses that sell or furnish alcohol to adults from liability when intoxication causes injuries. The statute creates two exceptions. A person or business may face liability for willfully and unlawfully providing alcohol to a person under the lawful drinking age or knowingly serving a person with a habitual addiction to alcohol. Fla. Stat. § 562.11 further defines restrictions on furnishing alcohol to people under 21.
An attorney evaluating a dram shop claim in Coral Gables can examine what the alcohol provider knew and whether the service fits one of the statute’s narrow exceptions. An adult’s visible intoxication alone generally does not create dram shop liability.
If the dram shop law applies, compensation may address the financial and personal effects of the injury. In Coral Gables, our lawyers can document losses from the incident and determine which damages may apply to a dram shop claim.
A claim may include medical expenses and lost income when an injury prevents someone from working. It may also address future care if someone needs ongoing treatment and non-economic damages to account for pain and changes to daily life. When a death occurs, surviving family members may have different rights under wrongful death law.
The law generally requires more than proof of an intoxicated driver. A claim against an alcohol provider must fit a statutory exception, such as unlawful service to a minor or knowing service to a person habitually addicted to alcohol.
No. Fla. Stat. § 768.125 refers broadly to a person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages. Whether the law applies depends on who provided the alcohol and the circumstances surrounding the service.
The filing deadline depends on the specific claim. Fla. Stat. § 95.11 generally provides a two-year limitations period for negligence actions, but different rules can apply. An attorney can promptly review a dram shop claim in Coral Gables to help preserve evidence and identify the correct filing deadline.
When an intoxicated person causes a serious injury, you can face medical costs and lasting changes to your daily life. A Coral Gables dram shop lawyer can determine whether unlawful alcohol service contributed to the harm and explain the legal options that the facts support.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we can investigate the alcohol service, handle communications with insurers, and pursue compensation when the evidence supports a claim. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation. Call Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your personal injury case.
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