How to Sue a Bar for Negligence

How to Sue a Bar for Negligence in Small Claims Court

When heading out for a night on the town, many make a local bar or nightclub their destination. While accidents can happen at any business, the combination of people and alcohol at bars increases the likelihood of someone getting injured. However, sometimes it is the negligence of the bar or their employees that are to blame when accidents happen in their establishment.

If injured while on the premises due to the bar's negligence, you can sue the bar or nightclub in small claims court. in small claims court is a very winnable case if you understand the basics of filing a negligence lawsuit.

In this article, we take a closer look at bar negligence and the steps to sue a bar for negligence in small claims court. We'll also show you the hassle-free way of suing anyone in small claims court with DoNotPay.

Reasons to File a Negligence Lawsuit Against a Bar

Like most businesses, it is the bar owner's legal responsibility to ensure their customers are safe while in their establishment. Bar and nightclub owners are required to carry liability insurance because of this. Therefore, when a bar does not provide a safe environment or ignore foreseeable problems, you may file a negligence lawsuit if issues arise. Common reasons to sue a bar for negligence in small claims court involve related injuries.

Sue a Bar For Personal Injury in Small Claims CourtIf you face personal injury because a person in the bar hurt you on purpose or you were accidentally hurt during a bar fight, it usually makes more sense to sue the bar in small claims court instead of the individual who caused the harm.

If you did not enter a bar fight voluntarily, you can charge the bar for the negligence of providing reasonable and necessary security to its patrons. Besides fighting, other negligence claims against a bar for personal injury can be caused by:

  • Poor lighting
  • Slippery floors
  • Broken or damaged furniture
  • Overcrowding the bar beyond its capacity
  • Damaged stairs or missing handrails
Sue a Bar for Food PoisoningIn any business that serves food, you are at risk of contracting food poisoning because of improper food storage or the mishandling of food. If you get sick after eating at a bar, you can file a lawsuit in small claims court. To win a case against a bar for the negligence of serving contaminated food, you must prove:
  • The bar was not properly storing or handling the food used in your meal
  • The contaminated food was the direct and proximate cause of your illness
  • The bar breached its duty of care to serve safe food
  • You faced measurable damages because of the food poisoning
  • A diagnosis from a doctor and lab tests showing the germ that caused your illness
Sue a Bar for Alcohol PoisoningAs an establishment known for serving alcohol, it's not surprising that suing a bar for alcohol poisoning is common. As part of a bar's responsibility for the safety of its customers, bartenders should also refuse to serve patrons identified as too drunk. If a bar ignores this rule, it can be held responsible for any resulting injuries or deaths caused by the inebriated individual because of the bar's negligence.
Sue a Bar in Small Claims Court for LacerationsBroken glass and nails sticking up from bar floors commonly lead to lacerations and surface wounds to patrons. If these wounds require stitches, you can file a lawsuit against the bar for negligence. Dropped glasses not cleaned up promptly or neglected floors fall under foreseeable problems that could cause injury, but the owner or employees fail to address the potential hazard.

How to Sue a Bar for Negligence in Small Claims Court

There are several steps to filing a negligence lawsuit against a bar in small claims court. Having the help of a legal professional will help ensure you are properly prepared for suing a bar for negligence with the knowledge, completed paperwork, and necessary evidence.

  • Gather evidence proving the bar's negligence and documentation of your related injuries
  • File required paperwork for the negligence lawsuit
  • Send the bar a notice with your intent to sue
  • Prepare to present your case if the bar chooses not to settle outside of court

Potential Issues With Filing a Negligence Lawsuit Against a Bar by Yourself

While you can sue a company without a lawyer, it is not ideal for the average individual. There are many steps and in-depth paperwork involved in small claims court cases, and one wrong move on your part can greatly reduce your chances of winning. It is best to seek professional guidance when filing a negligence lawsuit against a bar. A professional will understand the required paperwork and steps to developing a winning case in all situations.

How to Sue a Bar for Negligence in Small Claims Court With DoNotPay

DoNotPay makes it easy to sue a bar for negligence in small claims court. Follow the following four steps, and you'll be on your way to getting the payout you deserve for injuries caused in a bar or nightclub because of their negligence.

  1. Log in to and select the Sue Now product
  2. Enter the dollar amount you are owed
  3. Select whether you want a demand letter or court filing forms
  4. Describe the reason for the lawsuit and submit any applicable details, including photo proof

That's it! DoNotPay will then generate a demand letter or court filing forms for you. We'll even mail a copy of your demand letter to the individual or business you are suing!

DoNotPay Can Help in Any Legal Circumstance

With the help of our robot lawyer, you can get help suing insurance companies, airlines, and even Verizon. Our platform is convenient, easy to use, and can help set you up for success. Whether you’re pursuing a lawsuit against Uber or ATT, DoNotPay is on your side.

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