Dram Shop/Bartender Liability Attorney in Denver, Colorado

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In the event that you or a loved one is injured as a result of a drunk driver, you may be able to seek compensation from several parties. Bartenders and others who serve alcohol hold a level of responsibility when serving alcohol, and when they violate this duty, they can be held liable through a civil suit. However, very specific guidelines define the limits of a bartender’s liability in these situations, so it can be confusing to determine if you should seek compensation from a dram shop or bar for your injuries.

Dram Shop/Bartender Liability Attorney in Denver

An experienced auto accident attorney in Denver can help examine the details of your situation and advise you on whether to pursue a claim. If you are eligible for compensation, you will need a Colorado Dram Shop Liability Lawyer to guide you through the overwhelming process ahead of you.

Keep in mind that Colorado law provides for a one (1) year statute of limitations for Dram Shop lawsuits under Section 12-47-801 runs from the date of sale or service.

Denver Dram Shop Liability Attorney

Have you sustained serious injuries or was your loved one killed by a drunk driver in Colorado? Donaldson Law, LLC can investigate to determine whether a bar or other establishment served the person while he or she was already intoxicated.

Jennifer Donaldson is an experienced Denver Dram Shop Liability Lawyer who represents clients all over Jefferson County, Boulder County, Arapahoe County, Denver County, and Adams County. She can evaluate your case when you call (303) 458-5000 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

When are Bartenders Liable Under Colorado Law?

A dram shop, bar, or bartender are generally not liable for the actions taken by those under the influence of alcohol served by them. Under certain conditions, however, they can be held responsible. Colo. Rev. Stat. §12-47-801 outlines the guidelines for a claim as follows:

If the person knowingly served alcohol to a person under 21 years of age or “visibly intoxicated.” This means that if a bartender serves a drink to a person with slurred speech who can barely stand up, they can be held responsible for this negligence. This can actually also apply to parents who supply alcohol to minors. If an underage person is given alcohol at a party, drives home and injures someone in an accident on the way, the adults who supplied the alcohol may be liable for damages caused.
Any civil action must be brought against the negligent party within one year of the incident in question.
This action cannot be taken on behalf of the person who was drunk, only the person who was injured.
A claim against a dram shop or individual cannot exceed $150,000.

It is important to prove the liability of the bar or bartender in question, which makes it imperative to have a Dram Shop Liability Attorney on your side who is willing to fight on your behalf. You must establish that the bartender knowingly neglected his or her duty to deny alcohol to an inappropriate patron in order for them to be held responsible for the damages that resulted from that decision.

Seeking an Attorney for Bartender Liability in Boulder County

If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed by a drunk driver in Colorado, you will want to know whether another party bears responsibility for overserving the intoxicated motorist. Donaldson Law, LLC fights for the victims of drunk driving accidents in Arvada, Littleton, Westminster, Longmont, Lakewood, Centennial, Thornton, Boulder, and Aurora.

Act quickly because the statute of limitations for Dram Shop is one year from date of sale or service as provided in Section 12-47-801.

Jennifer L. Donaldson, a Denver personal injury lawyer, has 30 years of civil litigation experience. Call (303) 458-5000 or submit an online form right now to set up a free consultation that will let her review your case.

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CLIENT REVIEWS

My husband was rear-ended and his head broke through the back window of the truck. We decided to give things time to see if he improved. The other insurance company dragged things on forever. That’s when we decided we needed an attorney. We did not fully understand the statute of limitations and called a few attorneys thinking we had enough time. We quickly found out that in the land of the law, we were cutting it very close. The other attorneys we called passed saying that they just didn’t have the time to handle our case; we didn’t even get a chance to speak with anyone but the receptionist. Then I called Jennifer Donaldson and spoke to Melanie who is part of Jennifer’s incredible team. – Jackie G.

I was hit by a car while I was in a crosswalk. Afterward, I underwent multiple surgeries and occupational therapy. I was out of work after losing the use of my hand for a period of time. I knew that I couldn’t deal with the insurance companies on my own. After some research, I found Jennifer and Melanie. They were amazing through the whole process and the result was a very generous settlement. They were also able to get my health insurance to waive their subrogation claim. They have both been great to work with. Throughout my claim, they communicated with me and kept me updated. I would definitely recommend using Jennifer Donaldson if you ever need an attorney for a personal injury case.– Zander O.

Jennifer and her team were fantastic. They guided me through the whole process after getting into a car accident. She fought for me, and gave me and my family the best support. I don’t think I could have made it through the whole process without Jennifer and her team. Their knowledge of the insurance industry was very helpful and was a key factor in the outcome of my case.– Tony D.

My wife was involved in a serious auto accident where she sustained serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Ms. Donaldson was professional, compassionate and very thorough from beginning to end. Her focus was to make sure that we were made whole. Her thorough work resulted in a settlement that provides for our needs for the rest of our lives. Ms. Donaldson is a great attorney.– Tony D.

I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle, causing me serious and permanent injuries. Ms. Donaldson handled my case in a very professional manner with outstanding results. She worked hard to make sure we got a settlement without the need for litigation while still getting the maximum recovery available. She and her staff were very thorough and stayed in constant communication. Overall, Ms. Donaldson was outstanding during the entire case. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of representation for their personal injury claim.– Leigh C.