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Dram Shop Claims
Houston Dram Shop Injury Lawyer
Last Updated: July 15, 2026
Somebody at a bar was already stumbling, slurring, obviously past done, and they kept getting served anyway. Then they got behind a wheel, or got in a fight, or did whatever it was that put you here.
Texas law doesn't just hold that person accountable. It holds the bar accountable too, if they kept pouring when they shouldn't have.
*This page is general information about Texas dram shop law, not legal advice for your specific situation.
What Makes a Dram Shop Claim in Texas
Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, a bar, restaurant, or club can be held responsible if they kept serving someone who was obviously intoxicated, the kind of intoxicated where it was apparent to anyone watching, and that person went on to hurt somebody.
The standard isn't "they'd had a few drinks." It's that the intoxication was visible, and staff served them anyway.
Why Timing Matters More Here Than in Almost Any Other Case
These cases get built on things like receipts, surveillance video, and witness accounts of how the person was behaving before they were served. Bars don't hold onto that footage long. Staff schedules change. Memories fade fast.
The sooner an attorney can send a preservation letter and start pulling records, the better the case looks six months from now.
Why People Hesitate to Call, and Why They Shouldn't
Blaming a bar can feel like blaming the wrong person. The guy who hit you is the obvious target, not the bartender who kept his glass full.
But the law isn't asking how you feel about it. It's asking who had a responsibility and didn't meet it. If a bar kept serving someone they should have cut off, that's on them too.
Why Houston Families Choose McKinnon Law
We won't tell you a bar tab is worth more than it is. We'll tell you honestly whether what happened to you is something the law can actually help with, and then go build that case if it is.
Talk to a Houston Dram Shop Attorney, Free
Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a claim against a bar, restaurant, or club that kept serving alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, and that person then caused you harm.
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Yes, if the bar served someone who was obviously intoxicated and that person went on to cause an injury, the establishment can be held liable under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
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Evidence like receipts, video, and witness statements helps, and it disappears quickly. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
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Dram shop claims target the establishment for its service decisions, not just the individual who was overserved. Both can potentially be held responsible.
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Generally two years from the date of the incident under Texas law, though certain circumstances can affect this timeline. Confirm your specific deadline with an attorney.
Have other questions? Get in touch with us!