Dram Shop Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

$2.4 Million Pedestrian Accident
Maximum Compensation Bus Accident
$1 Million Falling Object Injury
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$1 Million Truck Accident
$625K Premises Liability
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
$1.35 Million Drunk Driving Accident
$4.25 Million Tractor-Trailer Collision
$10 Million Tractor-Trailer Accident
$1.5 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$11 Million Police Shooting Victims
$4.8 Million Bicycle Accident
$1.65 Million Car Accident
$31.5 Million Motorcycle Accident
$1 Million Assault Injury
$1.25 Million Premises Liability
$3.25 Million Cement Truck Accident

Philadelphia Dram Shop Lawyer

Dram Shop Liability Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Holding Bars Accountable for Overserving Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

In 2012, one person died in an alcohol-impaired driving crash every 51 minutes. If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, you have options in terms of seeking redress. Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop laws, you may be able to seek compensation from individuals and establishments who served the driver who caused your car accident. For many years, The Philadelphia dram shop attorneys of van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin have been a valuable resource for Pennsylvania and New Jersey families. Duty-bound to seek accountability for our clients, Attorney van der Veen has dedicated his life to helping the injured. Our team of outstanding personal injury attorneys navigates you through this complicated area of law, giving you the strength you need when you need it most.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

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They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

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They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.

Who is Liable For Injuries Sustained in a Drunk-Driving Accident?

Many people understand that when a drunk driver causes physical injury, he or she may be civilly liable in Pennsylvania. It is less commonly known that the state has expansive liquor liability laws. The individuals and establishments that served a drunk driver may also be held liable for injuries resulting from an accident. Known as Dram Shop laws, these regulations prohibit restaurants, bars, and hosts at private functions from serving a visibly intoxicated person. Additionally, owners and managers may be liable for the actions of employees who served the intoxicated individual.

Have you been injured in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver? Call van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin today at (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our dram shop attorneys in Philadelphia.

How To Have A Successful Dram Shop Case

Mounting a successful case against the individuals and establishments that served an intoxicated person is not as simple as it may sound at the outset. In order to be successful, you must prove the following:

Visible intoxication—In order to establish liability, you must show that the drunk driver was visibly intoxicated. Pennsylvania courts provide guidance on this point, focusing on the outward signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech and difficulty walking.
Link between service and resulting injuries—It is not enough for an individual or establishment to have served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. The act of over-serving must be shown to have led to the injuries that you suffered in the resulting accident.

The state’s Dram Shop provisions are set forth in both state laws and court rulings. In order to adroitly navigate these personal injury disputes, a Dram Shop attorney must constantly be apprised of developments in the law. Attorney van der Veen’s rare and exceptional experience handling Dram Shop cases translates into outstanding results for clients. In one case, he recovered $1.35 million from defendants that served the drunk driver who shattered the client’s life. Through unwavering commitment and steadfast determination, we fight for favorable results and win.

Holding The Establishment Liable Instead Of The Drunk Driver

A Dram Shop case is often pursued in addition to a lawsuit against the drunk driver. It makes sense to seek recovery from the establishment that served the drunk driver for two primary reasons.

First, owners and managers have a legal duty to serve alcohol responsibly, and when they fail to do so, it is important to hold them accountable.
Second, it is not uncommon for the individual who caused your injuries to be unable to adequately compensate you. Medical care and treatment following a drunk-driving accident can be extensive and expensive.

If you are facing mounting medical bills, it is important to seek a settlement that best positions you to get back on your feet. Our Philadelphia Dram Shop attorneys ensure you are able to do just that. Achieving sizable settlements on behalf of injured clients, however, is only half of our approach. At all stages of our work together, we build up your weaknesses to make them strengths. We ensure that you are strong in all areas of your life so that you can emerge from your legal case standing on both feet.

Contact Our Dram Shop Attorneys Today

In the aftermath of a collision involving a drunk driver, the avenues for justice extend beyond the individual at the wheel. Our adept Pennsylvania dram shop attorneys are committed to a comprehensive pursuit of your rightful compensation from all accountable parties. We invite you to view our Dram Shop Overview Video for a detailed exposition of how these laws may impact your case. For a personalized discussion of your legal options, contact van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin for a free initial consultation, where you can meet directly with attorney van der Veen or a dedicated member of our Philadelphia dram shop legal team.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dram Shop Liability Claims in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

A bar, restaurant, or private host may be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused injuries in an accident. Visible intoxication can include signs such as slurred speech, stumbling, aggression, confusion, or the inability to maintain balance. To establish liability, your attorney will gather evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, receipts, and expert analysis to prove that the establishment continued serving alcohol despite clear signs of impairment.
Yes. Dram Shop claims are often filed in addition to a lawsuit against the drunk driver. This is especially important when the driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage or personal assets to fully compensate you. Establishments that negligently overserve patrons often have higher insurance limits, creating a better opportunity for full financial recovery. Pursuing both claims strengthens your chances of securing the compensation needed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To succeed in a Dram Shop claim, you must show two key elements: first, that the establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, and second, that this overservice directly contributed to the accident and your injuries. This requires a careful investigation into the events leading up to the crash. An experienced Dram Shop attorney will work to collect bar tabs, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and toxicology findings to build a strong case.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long term rehabilitation costs. In cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, additional damages may be available for future care, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. A skilled Dram Shop liability attorney will evaluate your full losses and pursue compensation from every responsible party, including the establishment and the intoxicated driver.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam

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From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
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We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
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Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

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