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Written by
Ryan Dahlstrom
Experienced Hospitality Expert Witness · 35+ Years Industry Experience · Plaintiff & Defense
Liquor liability cases turn on whether an establishment met the standard of care in serving alcohol. An expert witness provides the industry context that judges and juries need to evaluate that question.
Understanding Liquor Liability
Liquor liability is the legal responsibility of an alcohol-serving establishment for harm caused by an intoxicated patron. Liquor liability is a broader term than dram shop liability. It can include claims against social hosts and event organizers and, in some states, claims by the intoxicated person, although many states bar or restrict those first-party claims. The central question in most cases is whether the establishment knew or should have known the patron was intoxicated before continuing to serve.
What Does a Liquor Liability Expert Witness Do?
A liquor liability expert witness analyzes the facts of the incident against the backdrop of industry standards and applicable regulations. This typically involves reviewing: alcohol purchase records and timestamps, staff training certifications and policies, security footage and incident reports, and the establishment's compliance history with the state liquor authority. The expert then renders an opinion on whether the establishment's conduct fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent operator.
When Is an Expert Witness Necessary?
In most liquor liability cases, the standard of care is not self-evident to a lay jury. What does it mean to be 'visibly intoxicated'? How many drinks is too many? What should a server have done differently? These are questions that require specialized knowledge of the hospitality industry. Expert testimony gives the jury a factual framework for evaluating the service decisions made at the time of the incident.
Retaining Ryan Dahlstrom
Ryan Dahlstrom provides liquor liability expert witness services for plaintiff and defense attorneys nationwide. His opinions are based on decades of direct industry experience. Contact Ryan to discuss your case and determine whether expert testimony is appropriate.
About the Author
Ryan Dahlstrom
Ryan Dahlstrom is a experienced hospitality expert witness with over 35 years of direct industry experience — managing and operating bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, casinos and live entertainment venues before ever testifying about them. He has been retained by plaintiff and defense attorneys in dram shop, liquor liability, negligent security, and premises liability cases across the country.
Related Services
Expert Witness Services by Ryan Dahlstrom
Dram Shop Expert Witness
Alcohol over-service liability and dram shop act cases.
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Third-party liability for alcohol-related injuries.
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Inadequate security at bars, clubs, and hospitality venues.
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Duty of care standards for hospitality property owners.
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Floor safety and hazard standards in hospitality settings.
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Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Ryan Dahlstrom provides expert witness services for plaintiff and defense attorneys nationwide. Contact Ryan to discuss your case.
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