When someone becomes the victim of a drunk driving accident in Green Bay, Wisconsin, they may have legal recourse beyond just the intoxicated driver. Dram shop liability refers to laws that allow victims to hold alcohol-serving establishments accountable for serving visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause harm. In Wisconsin, these laws create a pathway for injured parties to seek compensation from bars, restaurants, or liquor stores that negligently serve alcohol to individuals who subsequently cause accidents. The liability extends to various scenarios, including establishments serving minors or continuing to serve patrons showing clear signs of intoxication. Understanding dram shop liability is crucial for victims seeking comprehensive compensation, as it opens additional avenues for recovery beyond the drunk driver's personal insurance, which may have insufficient coverage for catastrophic injuries.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Wisconsin's dram shop liability is governed primarily by Wisconsin Statute § 125.035, which creates limited liability for alcohol providers. Under Wisconsin law, establishments can be held liable only when they serve alcohol to minors who subsequently cause injury, as the state's "Responsible Server Law" provides immunity in most other situations. Accident victims typically have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Wisconsin's statute of limitations. Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Insurance considerations are complex, as claims may involve the establishment's liquor liability insurance, the driver's auto insurance, and possibly underinsured motorist coverage from the victim's policy. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, potentially reducing compensation if the victim is found partially at fault. An experienced Green Bay personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

A good injury lawyer can help with all kinds of injuries caused by drunk driving accidents. Click the links below to learn more from a:

• Green Bay spinal cord injury attorney(link is external);
• Green Bay back injury attorney(link is external);
• Green Bay shoulder injury lawyer(link is external);
• Green Bay whiplash injury law firm(link is external);
• Green Bay brain injury attorney(link is external).

Related Resources

Relevant Local Courts

• Brown County Circuit Court
• Eastern District of Wisconsin Federal Court (Green Bay Division)
• Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District III

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Wisconsin Crime Victim Compensation Program
• MADD Wisconsin Chapter
• Brown County Victim/Witness Assistance Program
• Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center of Wisconsin

Links to State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Wisconsin Department of Transportation: OWI/DUI Laws
• Wisconsin State Legislature: Chapter 346 (Rules of the Road)
• Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project
• Wisconsin Department of Justice: Victim Resource Center

Return to the Green Bay drunk driving accident statistics page