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Dram Shop Litigation
Dram Shop Attorney in Bethlehem, PA
Most people don’t think about dram shop laws until something terrible happens. One minute, it’s just a night out—drinks with friends, a party, maybe celebrating after a big Lehigh game. But then there’s a crash. Someone ends up in the hospital. Or worse. And in the days that follow, you start to ask questions nobody ever wants to ask: How did this happen? Why was that person even allowed behind the wheel? Who served them that much alcohol—and shouldn’t they be held responsible too? If you’ve been hurt—or lost someone you love—because a bar, restaurant, or alcohol vendor in Pennsylvania served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated or underage, you may have a legal claim under the dram shop laws. And yeah, that term sounds old-fashioned, but the law is very real, and it’s there to protect people like you. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve worked with families across Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley who are trying to make sense of life after a tragedy involving alcohol. We’re here to help you understand your rights, hold the right people accountable, and push for justice—not just for your own healing, but to prevent this from happening to someone else.
What Is Dram Shop Liability?
“Dram shop” is a term that dates back to old England, when bars sold alcohol by the “dram.” Today, it refers to laws that hold alcohol-serving establishments responsible for serving drinks to people who shouldn’t be served—either because they were visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age. In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal for a business to: Serve alcohol to someone who’s visibly intoxicated; Serve minors under 21; Continue serving someone who’s already a clear danger to themselves or others. If they do, and that person causes harm—like a drunk driving accident, a bar fight, or even a fall—you may be able to file a dram shop claim against the business.
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Common Situations That Lead to Dram Shop Cases
We’ve seen a variety of scenarios where dram shop laws apply, including: A drunk driver leaves a Bethlehem bar and crashes into another vehicle; A minor is served alcohol at a house party or restaurant, then causes a wreck; An intoxicated customer starts a violent fight inside or outside a bar; A guest at a wedding or event is overserved and injures someone while leaving. Even private hosts (like party organizers or homeowners) can sometimes be held accountable under Pennsylvania’s social host liability laws—especially when minors are involved. If you’re not sure whether a dram shop case applies to your situation, just give us a call. We’ll walk through it with you—no legal jargon, just honest answers.
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The Aftermath: What Victims Often Face
If you were injured or lost a loved one because someone else was overserved alcohol, the impact goes far beyond the moment of the incident. Victims often deal with: Traumatic injuries and hospital stays; Permanent disabilities; Lost wages and job loss; Emotional trauma, PTSD, and depression; Funeral expenses and unbearable grief. You shouldn’t have to carry the weight of someone else’s bad decisions—and that includes the businesses that profited from it. A dram shop claim may help cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. But more importantly, it can hold establishments accountable and push them to serve more responsibly in the future.
Building a Dram Shop Case: How It Works
These cases aren’t easy. They require digging deep—into surveillance footage, witness statements, time-stamped receipts, liquor licensing laws, and more. You’ll need to show: The individual was visibly intoxicated or underage; The business knowingly continued to serve them; That overserving directly contributed to the injuries or death. Sounds complicated, right? That’s where we come in. At Snover Law, we’ve built strong cases by working closely with investigators, former bartenders, toxicologists, and other experts. We’ll gather evidence, build a timeline, and fight for the truth—while you focus on healing.
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Why Choose Our Firm?
We know these cases are emotional. You’re dealing with loss, confusion, and maybe even guilt, wondering what could have been done differently. Our job is to listen, support, and guide you—not to rush you or treat your case like just another file in a stack. We care. Truly. You’re not a statistic to us. We know Bethlehem. From bars downtown to restaurants out on Nazareth Pike, we’re familiar with local venues and law enforcement. We know how to dig. These cases often come down to subtle details, and we don’t cut corners. We don’t charge unless you win. No fees unless we recover compensation for you. Whether you’re the victim or a grieving family member, we’re here to help you find answers—and fight for what’s right.
A Local Family’s Story
“My brother was hit by a drunk driver who had just left a bar on Broad Street. We found out later he had been drinking for hours and could barely stand. The bar still let him walk out and drive. We were devastated. Michael didn’t just take the case—he became part of our support system. He made sure someone was held responsible, and that gave us some peace in the middle of all the pain.” – J.H., Bethlehem PA
It’s not about money. It’s about meaning. And we’re honored to help people find it through justice.
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Call Us Today — You’re Not Alone
If you’ve been injured or lost someone because a bar, restaurant, or host failed to serve alcohol responsibly, don’t stay silent. Let’s talk. The sooner we begin gathering evidence, the stronger your case may be. We proudly serve Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Easton, and all surrounding Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania communities. Whether the incident happened on a quiet backroad or outside a downtown club, we’re here to help. Call us or visit www.snoverlaw.com to schedule your free consultation. No pressure. No assumptions. Just a chance to share your story and get real answers. You’ve been through enough. Let us help carry this part of the load.
Read What Our Clients Say About Us
A History of Success
I just signed myself up with attorney Snover and had previously hired a different attorney but wasn’t satisfied with him. I then went to attorney Snover and he took my car accident case and is now helping me with my injury settlement. He is extremely knowledgeable at what he does, takes the time to talk with you and to fully understand your case. I highly recommend this place for your attorney needs.
