Dram Shop Lawsuits in Michigan

Michigan businesses that serve alcohol are subject to liability if they serve a minor or a visibly intoxicated person and then that person causes property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death of another.  Lawsuits for this cause of action must be brought within 2 years of when the damages, injury, or death occurs.  Both the bar and the person causing the damage must be named as Defendants in the lawsuit.  Most often these cases are brought when a drunk driver causes an accident after being over-served at a Michigan bar or restaurant.  These lawsuits are called Dram Shop cases because a "dram" is a Old English word meaning a small shot of an intoxicating liquor like brandy.