Who May Be Responsible for Injuries at Bars and Nightclubs?

When you head out for a night on the town, you’re looking for a little fun, and one of the last things you expect is to be injured as a result. The nightclubs and bars that host revelers like you bear a significant responsibility in relation to the risks associated with alcohol. You’re far more likely to be injured in a bar or nightclub than in virtually any other commercial setting; they call them bar fights for a reason.

Under premises liability law, the owners of bars and nightclubs owe their patrons a serious duty of care. If you were injured in a bar or nightclub, our experienced Lancaster injury attorneys can help.

Often, the Nightclub Itself Is Responsible

Bars and nightclubs throughout Lancaster can be held legally liable for injuries sustained on their premises when a breach of duty of care is proven. The standard for nightspots is to exercise all reasonable precautions to protect patrons from foreseeable harm.

Foreseeable Harm

Foreseeable harm in the context of injuries sustained at bars and nightclubs refers to any potential harm that the club’s owner was aware of or reasonably should have been aware of. The kind of harm that tends to fit the bill for bar and nightclub injury claims comes in many forms.

Bar Fights

Bar fights are at the top of the list for bar and nightclub injuries, and the fights are generally fueled by alcohol. Bar fights can take place anywhere on the premises, including the dance floor, at the bar, in the bathroom, or in the parking lot. Too often, innocent bystanders get harmed in the process, and these brawls often have a snowball effect.

Slip and Fall Accidents

The more people drink, the sloppier they tend to become and the more likely they are to spill their drinks, which is a primary concern in relation to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.

Inadequate Security

Bars and nightclubs are prime candidates for having ample security on hand. When security is inadequate, there is a far greater risk that crimes like rape, assault, or robbery will occur.

Additional Risk Factors

All the following pose additional risk factors in bars and nightclubs:

• Cuts from broken glasses
• Food poisoning
• Poorly maintained or constructed stairs, including missing handrails, which can be especially dangerous for those who are impaired by alcohol
• Inadequate lighting
• Crowded or debris-strewn walkways
• Entryways made slick by moisture, ice, snow, or debris tracked in from the outside

Our Injury Lawyers Are in Your Corner

Our savvy Lancaster bar and nightclub injury attorneys at Mette Attorneys at Law unleash the full force of our considerable experience and legal skill for every client we faithfully serve, and we’re here for you, too. Contact us online or call our firm at 717-232-5000 today.