Injured Patrons Finally Protected — South Carolina Requires Bars to Purchase Liability Insurance

Alcohol related injuries just became a priority for lawmakers wishing to protect our state’s citizens. South Carolina recently passed a law requiring all bars and restaurants that serve alcohol after 5 p.m. to purchase a liability insurance policy with coverage of at least $1 million. Bars that fail to purchase insurance will risk having their liquor license revoked.

Alcohol related injuries at a bar or restaurant usually could not be compensated for. Previously, bars and restaurants in South Carolina were not required to purchase liability insurance which often left bar patrons who were injured unable to recover for their alcohol related injuries from irresponsible bars and restaurants. Now, patrons who are injured as a result of a bar or restaurant’s misconduct will be more easily able to recover from the bar or restaurant for injuries sustained on the premises or as a result of the bar or restaurant’s misconduct.

Why require bars to purchase insurance for alcohol related injuries?

While bars and restaurants are usually fun places to relax and unwind in the evenings, alcohol consumption generally increases the risk of bar fights and similar altercations. These altercations often result in personal injury to patrons or other members of the community. Generally, a bar has the opportunity to implement security precautions or take reasonable steps to protect its patrons from injury. In many cases, when a bar fails to implement adequate security policies or protect its patrons, the bar may be held financially responsible for resulting personal injuries. However, if the bar does not have liability insurance, it is unlikely that the injured patron will be able to recover from the bar for his or her injuries. By requiring all bars to purchase liability insurance, South Carolina has made it more likely that injured patrons will be able to recover from bars for personal injuries sustained as a result of a bar owner’s misconduct. Consequently, bar owners are now encouraged to be more responsible in the operation of their bars and protection of their patrons.

What Types of Damages Could I Receive from a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

If you were injured while you were out with your friends at a bar, and you believe the bar failed to provide you with adequate protection or security, you may be able to recover damages from the bar for your injuries. Damages that may be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit for your alcohol related injuries:
• Medical expenses (such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and medical supplies);
• Pain and suffering experienced during and after the accident (including emotional distress such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety);
• Lost wages (including loss of future earning capacity as a result of not being able to work due to permanent disability); and
• Loss of companionship.

If a jury determines that the bar’s actions leading to the injury were particularly reprehensible, then punitive damages may also be awarded, which are intended to punish the bar for causing the injury or failing to protect you, and deter other bar owners from engaging in similar conduct in the future.

Injured while out with your friends at a bar? Let Us Help You Today!

If you have been injured in a bar during a fight or other altercation and are thinking about filing a lawsuit against the bar for failing to protect you or provide adequate security, it is important to contact a lawyer immediately. In order to have a chance of pursuing a personal injury claim in South Carolina, you must file within the three-year statute of limitations, meaning that you must bring your claim within three years after the incident occurred. You don’t have to fight your case alone—we at the Lovely Law Firm are here to help you win the compensation you deserve. To schedule an absolutely free case evaluation, please call (843) 839-4111 today.

Sources:

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/new-law-in-effect-saturday-requires-million-dollar-liquor-liability/article_ccae1006-5dcd-11e7-8977-7b92b768aa6e.html