Injured in a DUI accident or bar fight? Some alcohol-related injury victims may be eligible to sue the licensed establishment or social host who served the alcohol.
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Were you or a loved one injured in a DUI accident in Maine? You may be able to pursue financial compensation.
Dram Shop Lawsuits In Maine
After a serious accident, it's only reasonable to begin considering a lawsuit, but most of us assume that we can only file suit against the drunk driver. In actuality, Maine also allows injury victims and their loved ones to hold bars, restaurants and nightclubs accountable for the drunken actions of their patrons.
How Filing A Dram Shop Claim Works
The State's powerful dram shop act holds licensed establishments liable for serving alcohol in violation of Maine liquor laws. Dram shop laws therefore provide injury victims and their families with a viable avenue for recourse beyond simply suing the driver or patron who directly caused the accident.
Dram shop lawsuits must be based on a violation of Maine's liquor code. In Maine, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and liquor stores are prohibited from serving alcohol to minors. They're also prohibited from serving alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated.
Either of these violations could serve as the basis of a dram shop claim, if the patron who was illegally served alcohol goes on to cause a DUI accident, start a bar fight or cause alcohol-related injuries in some other way.
Social Hosts & Private Parties
Dram shop liability in Maine also extends to social hosts - people who serve alcohol or make it available at private parties. If a drunken guest goes on to cause a drunk driving crash, the social host can be held accountable for any injuries that occur as a result, just like a licensed establishment.
Maine's Dram Shop Statute Of Limitations
Like every other type of lawsuit, dram shop claims in Maine are governed by a strict statute of limitations. This law serves as a time limit, restricting the amount of time injured parties have to file their case. The statute of limitations on dram shop lawsuits in Maine is currently set at 6 years, beginning on the date of injury.
