Texas Dram Shop & Liquor Liability Expert Witnesses

When litigating a case under the Texas Dram Shop Act, you need experts who understand not only the grounds for liability but also the state's powerful "Safe Harbor" defense. Texas law holds establishments liable for serving an obviously intoxicated person who presents a clear danger to themselves or others. As specialists in these cases, we provide the in-depth analysis required to build a claim or evaluate the validity of a Safe Harbor defense.

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Why Choose

Why You Need Specialized Experts for Texas Dram Shop Cases

Handling a claim requires a dual focus: proving the initial elements of liability while simultaneously preparing to overcome or evaluate a Safe Harbor defense.

Deep Knowledge of Texas Law

Our analysis centers on establishing that a patron was served while obviously intoxicated and posed a clear danger, alongside a comprehensive review of TABC training records, policies, and management practices to assess Safe Harbor claims.

Understanding of TABC Standards of Care

We are intimately familiar with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) seller-server training curriculum. We assess whether an establishment’s real-world practices align with certified training—a critical factor in challenging or defending a Safe Harbor claim.

Jury Appeal & Venue Experience

Explaining the complexities of the Safe Harbor defense to a Texas jury requires experts who can present the issues clearly and compellingly. We have extensive experience conveying these points in Texas courtrooms, including Harris County District Courts in Houston and other key jurisdictions.

Services

Our Texas Dram Shop Consulting Services

Our services provide comprehensive support for the unique challenges of Texas liquor liability litigation.

Case Merit Evaluation & Initial Analysis

Confidential review of the claim and the potential impact of a Safe Harbor defense.

Safe Harbor Defense Analysis

In-depth investigation of an establishment’s training records, hiring practices, and management policies to validate or challenge the defense.

Thorough Review of Evidence

Detailed analysis of all documentation, including TABC certifications, police reports, receipts, witness statements, and video surveillance.

Deposition & Trial Testimony

Clear, concise, and persuasive testimony delivered with the authority required for these complex cases.

Specialization

Specialized Knowledge for Texas Liability Cases

Our focus spans the full spectrum of claims under the Texas Dram Shop Act.

DUI-Related Accidents & Wrongful Death

Connecting a tragic outcome to an establishment’s decision to serve an obviously intoxicated patron.

Challenging the Safe Harbor Defense

Investigating management practices, employee incentives, and company culture to determine if an employer indirectly encouraged employees to over-serve, potentially negating the defense.

Service to Minors

Reviewing policies and procedures to determine if failures in age verification resulted in a minor being served alcohol.

Services Area

Service Areas Across Texas

We provide expert witness services throughout the State of Texas, including:

Dallas

Houston

Austin

San Antonio

El Paso

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the "Safe Harbor" defense in Texas?

It is a legal defense for employers. If they can prove all servers are TABC-certified and that they did not encourage over-service, the establishment can be shielded from liability for an employee’s actions.

How can expert witnesses challenge a Safe Harbor defense?

By investigating the “no encouragement” requirement. We review sales policies, drink promotions, internal communications, and management oversight to determine whether the employer created an environment that implicitly or explicitly encouraged over-serving alcohol.

What are your expert witness fees for a case in Texas?

We provide a detailed fee schedule upon request, offering transparent and predictable pricing to assist with case planning and budgeting.

Free 30 Minute Dram Shop Expert Consultation

Contact Your Texas Dram Shop Expert Witnesses Today

If you are pursuing a liquor liability case in Texas, you need experts who understand the critical nuances of the Safe Harbor defense. Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Preston Rideout

CEO and Founder