Hardin, Illinois Bar Faces Trial in Dramshop Lawsuit
A drunken bar fight in Hardin, Illinois that allegedly caused a customer to become injured has led to a dramshop lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed in the Calhoun County, Illinois circuit court by WWF&G attorney Michael P. Glisson, claims that the liquor served by the bar caused one of its patrons to become drunk and disorderly. The patron then assaulted another customer.
In the aftermath of the attack, the plaintiff suffered numerous facial fractures requiring surgery. In addition, the suit claims the incident has caused pain and suffering and expensive medical care. Being unable to work has resulted in lost wages for the plaintiff.
The defendants named include both the attacker and the tavern. The case is set for trial in May of 2011.
According to a fact sheet published by the Illinois Liquor Commission, it is unlawful to sell liquor to an intoxicated person. Disobeying this law can result in fines from $500 to $2,500, as well as a year of jail time and/or liquor license suspension or revocation. This offense is a Class A Misdemeanor.
With offices in Alton, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri, attorneys Michael P. Glisson and Thomas O. Falb of the law offices of WWF&G are licensed to prosecute dramshop and assault and battery cases in both Illinois and Missouri.
These two personal injury experts understand the disruption that dramshop-related incidents can bring to your life, whether they involve assault or impaired driving. Technically, dramshops include not only bars, but also grocery stores, supermarkets, gas stations, and convenience stores that sell alcohol.
The fundamental principal behind the Dramshop Act is that the economic burden created by injuries from consumption of alcohol should be borne by the entire liquor industry. Those who profit from the sale of alcohol will share in the responsibility for the risks associated with alcohol.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a dramshop incident with expensive consequences both in terms of medical bills and quality-of-life, please contact us for a free consultation. With a statute of limitations of one year on dramshop cases, there is no time to waste.