Restaurant/Bar Accidents
The Atlanta area is known for having a vibrant nightlife that includes several notable restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. While these establishments are popular attractions for scores of residents and tourists alike, a restaurant or bar owner’s failure to maintain a safe premises can result in people suffering serious injuries.
In some cases a person can be hurt in accidents involving hazardous conditions, but others might be injured due to a fight or violent altercation that breaks out in a bars or restaurant. When the alcohol that was served causes such behavior, a restaurant or bar owner could find him or herself liable to the victim.
Moreover, an establishment that serves alcohol can be held liable under Georgia state law for serving alcohol to minors or noticeably intoxicated persons who then cause motor vehicle accidents.
Lawyer for Restaurant/Bar Accidents in Atlanta, GA
If you suffered severe injuries or your loved one was killed because of a restaurant or bar’s negligence in Georgia, it is in your best interest to quickly retain legal counsel.
The Balams Firm represents clients in premises liability actions all over Cobb County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, and Clayton County, including such communities as Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Milton, East Point, Forest Park, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Norcross, and many others.
ReShea Balams is an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta who will work tirelessly to help you obtain every last dime of compensation that you are entitled to. You can have her provide a complete evaluation of your case as soon as you call (404) 445-2005 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Georgia Restaurant/Bar Accidents Information Center
- What are some common kinds of accidents in bars and restaurants?
- How do dram shop laws work?
- Where can I find more information about restaurant/bar accidents in Atlanta?
Types of Restaurant/Bar Accidents in Atlanta
Georgia Code § 51-3-1 establishes that the owner or occupier of land who, by express or implied invitation, induces or leads others to come upon his or her premises for any lawful purpose, is liable in damages to such persons for injuries caused by his or her failure to exercise ordinary care in keeping the premises and approaches safe. Guests at restaurants and bars are typically considered invitees and are thus owed the highest duty of care by premises owners.
Some of the most common issues concerning unsafe conditions within bars or restaurants include:
- Bad lighting;
- Broken stairs or handrails;
- Falling objects;
- Fires or explosions;
- Foodborne illnesses;
- Malfunctioning elevators;
- Poor maintenance;
- Slippery floors; and
- Uneven walkways.
When people are injured as the result of attacks or fights in bars or restaurants, the establishment may be liable for inadequate or negligent security. In such cases, other third parties could also be liable for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
Dram Shop Laws for Restaurant/Bar Accidents in Fulton County, GA
Not all cases of restaurant or bar liability for victim injuries involve victims being at the restaurants or bars. The phrase “dram shop law” refers to a statute that allows people injured in car accidents caused by people served alcohol at certain designated establishments to seek compensation from them for their injuries. A dram was the unit (less than a teaspoon) that alcohol was sold in back in shops in 18th century England.
Georgia Code § 51—1-40(a) states that the consumption of alcoholic beverages, rather than the sale or furnishing or serving of such beverages, is the proximate cause of any injury, including death and property damage, inflicted by an intoxicated person. As a result, no person who sells furnishes, or serves alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age can be held liable for injury, death, or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person.
Under Georgia Code § 51—1-40(b), however, a person who willfully, knowingly, and unlawfully sells, furnishes, or serves alcoholic beverages to a minor (a person under 21 years of age) or a person who is in a state of “noticeable intoxication,” knowing that such person will soon be driving a motor vehicle, can become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from that person’s intoxication.
Bars and restaurants often claim that there was no way they could have known that a person they served was intoxicated, but a skilled personal injury lawyer will be able to obtain key evidence such as bar tabs that can be used to prove that the intoxication should have been apparent.
Georgia Restaurant/Bar Accidents Resources
Georgia Restaurant Association | Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Restaurant Association’s mission is to serve as the voice of Georgia’s restaurants in advocacy, education, and awareness. On this website, you can learn more about the organization, read recent news, and find answers to frequently asked questions. You can also view legislative position statements that summarize the Georgia Restaurant Association’s stance on a number of issues, including alcohol legislation.
Restaurant Inspection Scores | Fulton County — Fulton County Board of Health staff members use an inspection report with 18 categories based on a numerical and alphabetical rating. Risk-based inspections are based on the latest standardization guidelines from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and staff members are also required to obtain additional credentials in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and ServSafe. Visit this website to view food inspection scores for restaurants throughout Fulton County.
Find a Restaurant/Bar Accidents Attorney in Atlanta, GA
Did you sustain serious injuries or was your loved one killed in any accident caused by a bar or restaurant’s negligence in Georgia? You should not delay in contacting The Balams Firm.
Atlanta personal injury lawyer ReShea Balams helps residents and visitors in Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Forest Park, Milton, East Point, and many other surrounding areas of Fulton County, DeKalb County, Cobb County, Clayton County, and Gwinnett County.
Call (404) 445-2005 or submit an online contact form to have our attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
