Understanding Dram Shop Laws in Illinois: A Guide from Hale & Monico, LLC
If you’ve been injured by someone who was intoxicated, you may be wondering who can be held responsible—and whether you have a case. At Hale & Monico, LLC, we understand how devastating these incidents can be. Illinois law provides a path to justice through the Dram Shop Act, which holds alcohol vendors accountable when they contribute to someone’s intoxication and that person causes harm.
What Is the Illinois Dram Shop Act?
The Illinois Dram Shop Act (235 ILCS 5/6-21) allows injured individuals to pursue damages from bars, restaurants, and liquor stores that serve alcohol to individuals who go on to injure others. The law applies when:
- Alcohol was sold or served to the intoxicated person,
- The alcohol directly contributed to their level of intoxication,
- The intoxicated person caused injury or property damage, and
- The injury was a foreseeable result of the intoxication.
Importantly, you don’t have to prove negligence—just that the establishment played a role in the intoxication that caused the harm.
Common Dram Shop Scenarios We See at Hale & Monico
As personal injury attorneys in Illinois, we frequently represent clients injured in cases such as:
- Drunk driving crashes: After being overserved at a bar, a driver causes a serious accident.
- Bar fights or assaults: An intoxicated patron attacks someone after drinking at a venue.
- Property damage: Someone under the influence vandalizes or destroys private property.
In each of these cases, the establishment that served alcohol may share legal responsibility for the resulting damage.
Who Can File a Dram Shop Claim?
In Illinois, victims of alcohol-related incidents may include:
- Drivers and passengers hit by an intoxicated driver,
- Victims of physical assault or violence,
- Bystanders hurt in alcohol-fueled altercations,
- Families of individuals killed in alcohol-related incidents.
At Hale & Monico, we can help determine whether your situation qualifies under the Illinois Dram Shop Act and what steps to take next.
Time Is Critical: The Dram Shop Statute of Limitations
Under Illinois law, you have only one year from the date of the injury to file a dram shop claim. This is a much shorter time frame than typical personal injury claims, which makes it essential to act quickly.
Our attorneys can immediately begin gathering evidence—such as surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports—to build your case.
Compensation Available in Dram Shop Cases
Victims of dram shop incidents may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damage,
- Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases.
Note that Illinois law imposes statutory caps on the amount of compensation that can be awarded in dram shop cases. These limits are adjusted each year for inflation, and our attorneys will help you understand what damages may be available in your situation.
Why Choose Hale & Monico, LLC for Your Dram Shop Case?
At Hale & Monico, we bring decades of combined experience fighting for victims of negligence and reckless behavior. Our personal injury lawyers understand how complex dram shop claims can be, and we’re prepared to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case,
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and defendants,
- Ensure all filing deadlines are met,
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
We have a proven record of results across Chicago and throughout Illinois, and we treat every client with the respect and attention their case deserves.
Injured by a Drunk Person in Illinois? Let Us Help.
If you’ve been hurt due to the actions of an intoxicated individual, you may have the right to pursue compensation—not just from the person who harmed you, but from the bar or establishment that overserved them.
Contact Hale & Monico, LLC today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Illinois dram shop attorney. We’re ready to fight for the justice you deserve.