What Is a Dram Shop Case?
A dram shop case is a civil claim brought against a business that serves alcohol, such as:
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Liquor stores
- Event venues
In South Carolina, it is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated or to someone under the age of 21. When that illegal service leads to harm—such as a DUI crash or a violent assault—the business that served the alcohol may be legally responsible for the damages.
Real Consequences of Over-Service
Dram shop cases often arise from situations involving:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Pedestrian injuries
- Bar fights and assaults
- Alcohol-related falls or injuries
- Accidents caused by underage drinking
These cases are not just about alcohol—they’re about responsibility. When profit is put ahead of public safety, people get hurt. Holding businesses accountable helps protect the community and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
What Needs to Be Proven
Dram shop cases require strong evidence and careful legal work. To succeed in a claim, we typically need to show that:
-
The business served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage
-
That person then caused injury or death
-
The injury was a direct result of the alcohol-related conduct
Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, receipts, police reports, and toxicology results can all play a role in building a solid case. At The Law Office of Hunter L. Windham, LLC, we handle the investigation thoroughly from day one.
What You May Be Entitled To Recover
Victims of dram shop-related incidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral or burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Every case is unique, and we work to ensure the compensation reflects the true extent of your harm—physical, emotional, and financial.
Why Choose The Law Office of Hunter L. Windham, LLC?
Attorney Hunter L. Windham brings sharp legal skill and personal dedication to every case. With a background that includes clerking for a federal appellate judge and litigating high-stakes civil cases, Hunter knows how to approach complex liability claims like dram shop cases—and how to win them.
- Clear, honest legal advice
- One-on-one communication with your attorney
- Full representation through investigation, litigation, and appeal if necessary
- No fee unless we recover money for you
We’re not afraid to go up against large corporations or their insurance companies. Our focus is on helping real people—and delivering real results.
