Injured in a DUI accident in New Hampshire? Our dedicated legal team can help. New Hampshire's strong dram shop law may allow you to file a lawsuit for compensation against the restaurant, bar or nightclub.
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After a severe DUI accident or fight, it's reasonable to consider suing the person who directly caused the accident, the drunk driver or the assailant. But in many states, including New Hampshire, it's also possible to file suit against the bar, restaurant or nightclub that served the perpetrator alcohol.
What Is The Dram Shop Law?
New Hampshire's powerful dram shop law holds licensed establishments accountable for serving patrons in violation of the State's liquor code, in the event that an alcohol-related accident occurs as a result of the patron's intoxication.
Dram shop lawsuits are founded on violations of the State's dram shop act. In New Hampshire, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and liquor stores can be found liable for serving a minor (someone under the age of 21) or over-serving someone who is already visibly intoxicated. If the illegal alcohol service goes on to contribute to an alcohol-related accident, by way of the perpetrator's intoxication, the establishment can be held accountable for financial damages.
Limited Social Host Liability In New Hampshire
In limited circumstances, dram shop liability in New Hampshire may also extend to cover social hosts, people who serve or furnish alcohol at private parties. In some cases, social hosts can be held accountable for allowing visibly intoxicated guests to continue drinking, or allowing a minor to drink. Again, this is only true if the guest goes on to cause an intoxication-related accident, link a drunk driving crash.
Dram Shop Statute Of Limitations
Like every other type of lawsuit, dram shop claims in New Hampshire are controlled by a strict statute of limitations. This law acts like a legal time limit; file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations has run out and your case will almost certainly be dismissed. The statute of limitations for dram shop lawsuits is currently set at 3 years, beginning on the date of injury.
