Dram Shop Liability Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ — Can You Sue a Bar?
If you were injured by an intoxicated person in Burlington County, you may have a claim against the bar that served them under New Jersey’s dram shop law. A dram shop liability suit can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Dram Shop Liability Law
New Jersey’s dram shop liability law, established under N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-5, allows an injured person to sue a licensed alcoholic beverage server (like a bar, restaurant, or tavern) for damages caused by an intoxicated patron. The statute creates a legal duty for servers not to serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons or minors. To succeed in a dram shop liability suit in Burlington County, you must prove the server knowingly served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, and that this service was a proximate cause of your injuries. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, leverages deep knowledge of New Jersey civil liability statutes to build strong dram shop cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-1 et seq. (New Jersey Dram Shop Act)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage
How a Dram Shop Liability Case Works in Burlington County
Pursuing a dram shop liability suit in Burlington County involves specific procedural steps in the Law Division of the Superior Court. These cases are often demanding, requiring evidence like surveillance footage, witness testimony, and experienced analysis of service practices. An affordable dram shop liability suing a bar lawyer near me Burlington County can handle this process.
- Case Evaluation & Investigation: Your attorney will gather all evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and attempt to obtain security footage from the establishment.
- Preservation of Evidence & Notice: A formal spoliation letter may be sent to the bar to preserve all relevant video, receipts, and staff records.
- Filing the Complaint: A lawsuit is filed in the Burlington Vicinage Superior Court, Law Division, naming the intoxicated patron and the serving establishment as defendants.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence. This includes depositions of bartenders, managers, and patrons, as well as requests for internal training manuals and alcohol service policies.
- Settlement Negotiations or Trial: Many cases settle during mandatory court-sponsored mediation. If not, the case proceeds to a jury trial to determine liability and damages.
Potential Compensation in a Dram Shop Case
In Burlington County, a successful dram shop liability suit can recover compensatory damages for economic and non-economic losses, and in rare cases, punitive damages for egregious conduct.
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Damages | Quantifiable financial losses. | Medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage. |
| Non-Economic Damages | Subjective, non-financial losses. | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement. |
| Punitive Damages | Designed to punish and deter extreme misconduct. | May be awarded if the server’s actions were willful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of safety. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Dram Shop Claim
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a formidable combination of experience and resources to dram shop liability cases. Founded in 1997, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand the intricate details of proving a server’s negligence under New Jersey law. Our approach involves immediate evidence preservation, thorough investigation, and strategic litigation to maximize your recovery.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific dram shop results in Burlington County are not publicly listed, our firm’s litigation team has a proven record in civil liability disputes. We are committed to aggressive advocacy for injured clients. Mr. Sris leads our civil litigation team, ensuring each dram shop liability case receives the focused attention needed to challenge well-insured establishments and their legal teams.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Dram Shop Liability Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County. We are accessible via major highways like the NJ Turnpike and I-295, making it convenient to meet with an attorney. We serve Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Dram Shop Liability Lawyer Burlington County FAQ
What is the time limit to file a dram shop lawsuit in New Jersey?
Two years. New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury, including dram shop liability suits, is generally two years from the date of the injury under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. It is critical to consult a dram shop liability suing a bar lawyer Burlington County as early as possible to preserve evidence and meet this deadline.
Can I sue a bar if I was injured by a drunk driver in Burlington County?
Yes, potentially. If the bar served alcohol to a patron who was visibly intoxicated or underage, and that patron then caused an accident that injured you, you may have a claim against the bar under New Jersey’s dram shop law also to any claim against the driver.
What evidence is needed for a dram shop case?
It depends. Key evidence includes witness testimony about the patron’s intoxication level at the bar, security camera footage, receipts showing alcohol purchases, testimony from bartenders or staff, and sometimes experienced testimony on alcohol service standards. An attorney will work to secure this evidence quickly.
Are there limits on damages in a New Jersey dram shop case?
No specific cap. New Jersey does not have a statutory cap on compensatory damages (like medical bills and pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases, including dram shop liability. However, punitive damages are subject to legal standards and are not common.
What if the drunk person who hurt me was under 21?
This strengthens a dram shop claim. Serving alcohol to a minor is illegal and constitutes negligence per se in New Jersey, making it easier to prove the server’s liability for any injuries caused by that minor’s intoxication.
How much does it cost to hire a dram shop lawyer?
Most work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront attorney fees. Your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the financial recovery they obtain for you, so there is no-obligation to you unless we win your case.
Related Legal Services in Burlington County
If you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you may also need information on: Business Law, Contract Disputes, or Personal Injury. For more on civil litigation statewide, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Camden County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding dram shop liability suing a bar lawyer Burlington County.
For the full picture beyond Burlington County, our page on dram shop liability suing a bar cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Dram Shop Liability Suing a Bar Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Dram Shop Liability Suing a Bar Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Dram Shop Liability Suing a Bar Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.