I Was Injured by a Drunk Driver. Does Maryland Recognize Dramshop Liability?
A Dramshop Act is a law that imposes civil liability on the vendors of intoxicating liquor where, typically, that liquor is dispensed to someone who is obviously intoxicated, and that obviously intoxicated person then leaves the establishment and injures another, often in a DUI related auto accident.
Maryland is one of the states that currently do not have Drampshop legislation on the books. 1
Those injured in accidents with intoxicated drivers have asked Maryland courts to find such liability. To date, those requests have been refused.2 A proffered theory of recovery has been, that since most states, including Maryland, have laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person, a violation of the statue is considered negligence, and the seller is liable. Maryland takes a different view on this. As attorney Eric T. Kirk will tell you, the law in Maryland has always been that because the sale of the alcohol does not directly injure the third person, then there can be no liability on the seller.
I have been evaluating, resolving, and litigating personal injury cases for 30 years. I’ve handled thousands of cases in that time. I invite all potential clients to participate in a no-cost analysis and strategy conference. Contact me today to arrange a time to meet. 410 591 2835, or simply complete the form at the bottom of the page.
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For over three decades, I have battled against the nation’s largest insurance companies, always endeavoring to ensure my clients receive the compensation they deserve. As lead counsel in thousands of cases across Maryland, New York, and Florida, I have recovered millions for clients whose claims were wrongfully denied and delayed. Whether denying fair compensation for a personal injury victim or denying benefits to a homeowner, Insurance companies employ policy exclusions, technicalities, and lowball offers to deny and defeat claims. They also hire very good lawyers to fight you in court. So should you. When an insurance company unfairly rejects a claim, I stop them.
