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Coral Gables, FL 33134

633 S. Andrews Avenue Suite 400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(305) 446-5700

(954) 323-4400

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Liquor / Bar Liability

Liquor / Bar Liability

The field of liquor liability is of increasing interest and importance in our community.

Florida’s “dram shop” statute is the state’s response to the ever-increasing problem of minors and alcoholics who seriously injure themselves or others while intoxicated. Still, Florida’s statute is one of the nation’s most restrictive for plaintiffs, particularly in a tourist-friendly state. Florida law provides that if establishments such as hotels, restaurants or bars knowingly serve minors or habitual abusers of alcohol, they may become liable for any injuries or damage resulting from that patron’s intoxication. That word “knowingly” is what makes the Florida statute so restrictive.

Despite the challenges posed by state law, Senior Partner William Andrew Haggard devotes much of his time representing people designated under Florida law to be the victims of restaurant or bar negligence. Mr. Haggard has effectively litigated many significant liquor/bar negligence cases in South Florida, including Fox v. The Clevelander, MacLean v. Flirts, and Linnes v. Holiday Isle. The successful conclusion of these cases has served to more clearly define the responsibilities of establishments serving liquor.

Florida law provides that if establishments such as hotels, restaurants or bars knowingly serve minors or habitual abusers of alcohol, they may become liable for any injuries or damage resulting from that patron’s intoxication.

“Dram Shop” laws aim to keep already-inebriated patrons from continuing to consume alcohol and injuring or killing themselves or someone else from over-intoxication. Litigating these cases is essential to help support those who have suffered catastrophic injuries or families that have lost loved ones because someone was overserved. Filing a lawsuit in a liquor/bar liability case also aims to remind businesses and employees that serve alcohol that their responsibility is not to sell more drinks, but to remain vigilant about what can happen when their patrons leave the bar.

Liquor / Bar Liability Verdicts & Settlements

What is Like To Wait For Jury Verdict

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Experienced trial lawyer Todd Michaels of The Haggard Law Firm discusses what it is like to wait for a jury verdict in a civil trial and thrill of obtaining justice to our clients.

Haggard Law Trial Attorney Pedro Echarte Shares Whey Preparation Is Key For Successful Trial Lawyers

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Haggard Law Firm believes in commitment to clients and out working our opponents, usually big insurance companies. Trial lawyerPedro Echarte discusses the essential importance of preparation at Haggard Law.