In the past, "dram shops" referred to bars and liquor stores that sold small quantities of whiskey or liquor. The issue arose when patrons, who had been served at these establishments, got involved in car accidents while driving, resulting in injuries. In today's context, drunk driving accidents often cause severe or catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, many drunk drivers have inadequate insurance to cover the damages and injuries sustained by victims.
While South Carolina doesn't have a specific statute for dram shop claims, state courts allow injured victims to seek damages and recovery from alcohol-related accidents using the state's alcohol sale statutes and negligence laws. Consequently, it's possible to hold restaurants, bars, and other entities accountable for injuries sustained by the driver of a motor vehicle or boat.
Most adults know that driving under the influence isn't just dumb - it's downright dangerous. They know that DUIs often have long-lasting, traumatic effects for everyone involved. What many people don't know is how closely related DUI and dram shop cases are in South Carolina. Consider the following scenarios:
Perhaps a 24-hour gas station doesn't check an I.D. and sells a case of malt liquor to a minor. The minor becomes intoxicated, and with a blood alcohol level exceeding the state limit, the novice driver wrecks their vehicle. One person is killed, and another is seriously injured. Or, in another instance, a bartender gives an overtly intoxicated person one last drink before they leave. The bartender later finds out that the person they served caused a car accident and injured a family of four.
In South Carolina, there are no specific dram shop statutes in place. Nevertheless, the state's courts strive to offer protection to individuals who have suffered injuries due to a drunk driver. However, filing dram shop claims, proving negligence, and navigating insurance coverage can be complicated and frustrating. That's especially true when you're hurt due to no fault of your own, and you're just trying to get through the recovery process. If you've sustained injuries from a drunk driver and believe that the person's intoxication was caused by a third party, it's time to call a dram shop law firm like Lauren Taylor Law.
Dram shop injury victims choose Lauren Taylor and her team of lawyers because they don't shy away from challenging tavern-keeper liability cases. With exceptional investigative skills, they meticulously gather relevant facts, ask hard questions, and build claims that focus on the most favorable outcomes possible. Â Â
Here at Lauren Taylor Law, we've dedicated our legal careers to assisting individuals in finding solutions to challenging legal issues. We're not in the business of prioritizing quick settlements that don't serve our clients' best interests. With decades of combined trial experience, we're passionate about getting you the compensation you deserve and feel privileged to be your dram shop injury lawyer. If you've been hurt by a drunk driver and believe that the driver's intoxication was due to a third party's negligence, get in touch with our dram shop liability lawyers. We can work together to determine if a third party can be held legally responsible.
Dram shop laws in South Carolina are complex, and the situations leading up to a trial or court case can be nuanced and confusing. Having a reliable, compassionate lawyer by your side is the best way to understand the situation you're in and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few of the most significant reasons why you should consider hiring a dram shop lawyer:
You can rely on your dram shop lawyer to use legal precedents to demonstrate that the establishment licensee failed to fulfill their legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of patrons and the public. Precedent refers to the extensive body of previous dram shop lawsuit rulings in South Carolina that a court must consider when making decisions.
If you've experienced a serious accident that has impacted your financial and personal well-being, financial compensation can provide some relief. A dram shop injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for a variety of issues, which we'll cover in detail later. In cases where you have lost a spouse in a fatal accident, your lawyer can also help create a compensation proposal that considers the loss of financial and emotional support from that person.
In South Carolina dram shop cases, the court needs evidence that the bar or restaurant served too much alcohol to the customer. Evidence can come in various forms. Your dram shop attorney can handle this thorough and time-consuming task so you don't have to.
In addition to evidence gathering, you'll need an attorney to demonstrate that the person's intoxication directly caused the injuries or property damage in question. Your attorney will gather evidence linking the intoxicated individual to the harm. This meticulous legal work is best performed by a lawyer with experience in dram shop liability, who can fill in the missing timeline details of the day of the incident.
Insurance can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from an incident. Unfortunately, dealing with insurers when you're already suffering from a serious injury or personal loss can be overwhelming. Hiring a dram shop lawyer not only simplifies this process but also helps ensure you receive all the benefits entitled to you under your policy.
Your dram shop lawyer should prioritize your best interests. Sometimes, that involves negotiating a fair settlement with the alcohol-serving establishment. Other times, the best outcomes come in court. Every dram shop accident claim is unique and requires individual consideration. Effectively presenting a case in front of a judge or jury is a specialized skill possessed by experienced litigators. When you hire an experienced, proactive dram shop injury attorney in Conway, SC, you can rest easy knowing you'll have strong representation in both private negotiations and in the courtroom.
Today, dram shop laws hold establishments accountable for serving alcohol to intoxicated customers who cause harm. If a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes a DUI accident, the establishment can be held liable for resulting injuries. The injured party can also pursue legal action against the intoxicated driver. Dram shop laws would also apply if the intoxicated patron caused harm or damage in a manner other than a car accident.
Dram shop laws are legal statutes that hold businesses accountable for serving alcohol to individuals who are already intoxicated or for selling alcohol to minors who then cause harm to themselves or others. If a business has a commercial liquor license or equivalent in South Carolina, liability may be incurred. Some of the most common types of businesses that incur dram shop liability include the following:
In the settings above, the establishment bears liability depending on the actions of their employees. Servers and other staff members who overserve intoxicated customers may be considered negligent. Some common staff positions that can be at fault under South Carolina dram shop law include managers, cashiers, store clerks, bartenders, and servers.
After an intoxicated driver causes an accident that injures another person, the victim can seek compensation from the establishment that overserved the intoxicated person. To successfully recover compensation in a dram shop case, your dram shop injury attorney in Conway, SC must prove that the business was negligent or intentional in serving a minor or an intoxicated person. At Lauren Taylor Law, our goal is to prove negligence in your dram shop case so that we may recover the maximum amount of damages to help you recover.
To do so, we aim to demonstrate the following
The injuries you sustained were primarily caused by the alcohol consumed by the intoxicated driver, which can be proven if the driver is found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI).
The establishment failed to fulfill its obligations to recognize intoxicated patrons, verify legal drinking age with I.D., refrain from serving alcohol to intoxicated or underage individuals, and arrange for safe transportation for intoxicated customers.
The establishment must have had a reasonable awareness that the customer was either intoxicated or underage. Checking the customer's I.D. can help establish their legal age. The level of intoxication can be assessed by observing the behavior of the individual or by tracking the number and type of drinks served to them within a specific period.
As your dram shop injury attorney in Conway, SC, one of our biggest jobs is supplying evidence proving that the dram shop in question was negligent. Examples of supporting evidence include the following:
Knowledge of Intoxication Evidence
The plaintiff and attorney must demonstrate that the alcohol establishment was aware or should have been aware that the customer was drunk, by showing that the bar had knowledge of intoxication or should have observed visible signs of drunkenness. Knowledge of intoxication can include knowing:
Visible signs of intoxication can include:
Duty of Care Evidence
Every business has an inherent responsibility to adhere to state law and refrain from serving individuals who are either under the legal drinking age or visibly intoxicated.
Breach of Duty Evidence
Proving that the establishment breached its duty to serve alcohol responsibly and follow the law can include showing that the establishment's employees:
Causation Evidence
An attorney can gather evidence to show that alcohol intoxication directly caused a drunk driving accident or injury by reviewing police reports, arrest records, and court documents. A conviction for DUI, DUAC, or any other alcohol-related offense can serve as compelling proof for legal action.
The short answer to this question is yes. A DUI or DUAC conviction can serve as crucial evidence to support a dram shop liability or drunk driving claim for compensation. Being convicted provides concrete proof that the driver failed in their duty of care, leading to subsequent injuries due to negligence. It's advantageous for victims to enlist a qualified dram shop injury attorney in Conway, SC to handle their dram shop liability case. Quality dram shop lawyers - like those at Lauren Taylor Law - conduct investigations into the source of the driver's intoxication and ascertain if any establishment contributed to over-serving the driver.
In dram shop liability cases, which are considered personal injury cases, the state allows a three-year window from the date of injury for victims to file a lawsuit against the bar that overserved a patron. If the filing deadline is missed, the judge may dismiss the case unless there is a valid legal exception. If you're thinking about taking legal action, it's important to reach out to Laurent Taylor Law as soon as possible to explore your options.
South Carolina state law ensures that victims of negligence have a way to obtain financial recovery after being injured in a bar or due to the actions of a negligent establishment. It's important to note that not only the victims of drunk driving accidents but anyone injured by an intoxicated person can file a dram shop liability claim. Compensation from dram shop cases can come from a variety of sources, including those below.
In South Carolina, businesses with an alcohol license are required to have at least one million dollars in liquor liability insurance. This insurance covers both economic and non-economic damages suffered by a victim.
If you're the victim of a DUI accident, you can recover economic damages under dram shop liability. Those damages can include the following:
You may also be eligible for non-economic damages in a dram shop liability claim. Those damages may include one or more of the following:
You can also seek punitive damages in a South Carolina dram shop liability case. These damages are awarded to punish a defendant for causing harm due to reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct. Your dram shop lawyer in South Carolina must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant's actions met the criteria described in the statute. The burden of proof is higher than that required to win compensatory damages in a dram shop liability case.
In drunk driving accidents, courts may consider awarding punitive damages because driving while intoxicated is a deliberate violation of the law that displays a reckless disregard for others. Unlike in most other cases where punitive damages are capped, South Carolina does not limit the amount awarded in a drunk driving case.
If you've been injured due to another person's negligence and you're ready to fight for damages, it's time to call Lauren Taylor Law. Let our team of dram shop injury lawyers litigate your case and secure maximum compensation for your lost wages, hospital bills, property damage, and other losses. When you partner with a proven, experienced, successful attorney, you can increase your chances of getting full compensation.
We have the skills and trial experience needed to handle complex dram shop claims, just like yours. To learn more about your alcohol-related accident and the opportunity to bring a lawsuit against a dram shop, contact us today to schedule a consultation at the law offices of Lauren Taylor.
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CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - Conway Medical Center is receiving national attention for how it cares for children during a crisis.CMC received an Advanced Pediatric Ready Emergency Department accreditation, making it the third hospital in the state to earn the designation.The accreditation follows a two-year process in which surveyors evaluated the hospital’s staffing, training, equipment and specialized protocols, all focused on the unique needs of children.As a result, the hospital added a children’s waiting room and...
CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - Conway Medical Center is receiving national attention for how it cares for children during a crisis.
CMC received an Advanced Pediatric Ready Emergency Department accreditation, making it the third hospital in the state to earn the designation.
The accreditation follows a two-year process in which surveyors evaluated the hospital’s staffing, training, equipment and specialized protocols, all focused on the unique needs of children.
As a result, the hospital added a children’s waiting room and a dedicated pediatric emergency space.
Maile Swanson, a registered nurse, said the new environment makes care more comfortable for patients and their families.
“It’s definitely been more welcoming, the kids are feeling more comfortable,” Swanson said. “Coming into the doctor’s office, everybody remembers as a kid, it’s not the most fun thing, it’s kind of scary, especially for the parents too. So having a welcoming environment definitely brings more smiling faces and more comfortable with us.”
The hospital also got new equipment, including a color-coded crash cart, an emergency go pack and a mobile PANDA machine that provides heat, monitoring and respiratory support for newborns.
Swanson said the portable equipment has changed how staff respond to emergencies.
“Having portable equipment has been a game-changer for us,” Swanson said. “Having everything on the go makes us so much faster in our responses and makes the care better for our patients.”
Swanson said she has noticed an increase in patients coming to the hospital since it received the accreditation. She said staff preparedness has improved the overall care environment.
“When you’re prepared as a staff member, and our other staff members are prepared, it makes a fantastic environment to take care of these children,” Swanson said. “When every staff member knows where their equipment is, what their jobs are, it makes the job as a whole much smoother, so it makes us more confident in our care.”
Research shows hospitals with high levels of pediatric readiness have a 76 percent lower mortality rate for critically ill children and a 60 percent lower mortality rate for injured children.
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North Myrtle Beach 4 Conway 0North Myrtle Beach picked up a 4 to 0 win over Conway on Tuesday behind a dominant showing on the mound. Gabe Priest led the way with 11 strikeouts across five plus shutout innings before Sawyer Smith closed it out to secure the combined shutout. The Chiefs broke through in the third and stayed in control with steady offense and clean defense. Evan Steudl paced the lineup with two hits as North Myrtle Beach totaled nine hits in the win.+ Interested in attending an upcoming event? ...
North Myrtle Beach picked up a 4 to 0 win over Conway on Tuesday behind a dominant showing on the mound. Gabe Priest led the way with 11 strikeouts across five plus shutout innings before Sawyer Smith closed it out to secure the combined shutout. The Chiefs broke through in the third and stayed in control with steady offense and clean defense. Evan Steudl paced the lineup with two hits as North Myrtle Beach totaled nine hits in the win.
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One of the top uncommitted arms in the class. Got the ball for the Chiefs in the region opener and was the star of the show. Went 5 ⅓ shutout innings while fanning 11 hitters. While the velo was 84-85 throughout which for him is a tick down, the stuff did not disappoint. SL is a true out pitch, but also showed the ability to flip it in early counts as well. FB has life to it and is the pitch he leans on. Command of both pitches were on high display, especially after the 1st inning in which he had 2 BB. A lot to like in the 6’2 195 lb frame. Uptick in velo should come later into the spring.
2026 LHP Gabe Priest @GabrielPriest8 @NMBAthleticsGreat early season look at the senior southpaw. Worked around early traffic but settled in nicely. Lived in the zone all night with FB/SL mix. Great feel for SL which got a lot of S/M late in outing. A few of his… pic.twitter.com/utWYd90Ibl
— Prep Baseball South Carolina (@PrepBaseball_SC) March 18, 2026
Sawyer Smith 2026 SS/RHP North Mrytle Beach
CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — Construction is underway on a redevelopment project at the Coastal Centre shopping center in the heart of Conway.Developer Rise Partners hopes to revitalize the 230,000-square-foot retail space. Large anchor tenants already on the books include Burlington Coat Factory, Five Below, Marshalls and HomeGoods.The redevelopment is expected to change shopping options for residents who live farther inland by offering more retail choices closer to home, potentially reducing the need to travel to Myrtle Beach....
CONWAY, S.C. (WPDE) — Construction is underway on a redevelopment project at the Coastal Centre shopping center in the heart of Conway.
Developer Rise Partners hopes to revitalize the 230,000-square-foot retail space. Large anchor tenants already on the books include Burlington Coat Factory, Five Below, Marshalls and HomeGoods.
The redevelopment is expected to change shopping options for residents who live farther inland by offering more retail choices closer to home, potentially reducing the need to travel to Myrtle Beach.
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“Still a bit of a commute. You know, and I know a lot of people dont like the 501 so much so, the fact that it's going to be around and close in proximity and with, the downtown too, I think that that's going to be great just for people to kind of move around and function to where we can stay in our little section if we want to, for sure,” said Danielle Flores of Simply Trendy Floral and Fashion Boutique.
City leaders are also expected to benefit from additional tax revenue as new businesses open. Downtown Conway business owners said the project could also increase foot traffic in River City, creating more opportunities for local shops to attract new customers.
“I actually drive there pretty often. And I see all the construction that they're working on there. So I'm really excited to see like, what kind of stuff they do with it,” said Bradley Nesbitt of Power Comics.
The Conway Chamber of Commerce declined an interview but shared this statement supporting the redevelopment:
“The coastal centre mall has been vacant for a very long time. Projects like this redevelopment are vital for keeping retail dollars local and making Conway a destination for shopping, dining and services. We advocate for both national retailers and local entrepreneurs to fill the spaces because they complement each other and satisfy the desires of locals and visitors alike.”
Rise Partners’ website says Phase One of the Coastal Centre redevelopment will be done this spring or summer.
Attempts to reach Rise Partners for more details about additional retailers and the timeline for a grand reopening were not returned in time for publication.
(PRLeap.com) "Escaping… the Devils in My Pocket", a new book by Debra Merfert, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.A searingly honest account of surviving generational trauma and reclaiming one's life from the shadows of emotional neglect.In this moving narrative, Merfert pulls back the curtain on the "hidden world" of narcissistic abuse. By chronicling her journey from a fractured childhood through a cycle of toxic adult relationships, she provides a roadmap for others trapped in simila...
(PRLeap.com) "Escaping… the Devils in My Pocket", a new book by Debra Merfert, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
A searingly honest account of surviving generational trauma and reclaiming one's life from the shadows of emotional neglect.
In this moving narrative, Merfert pulls back the curtain on the "hidden world" of narcissistic abuse. By chronicling her journey from a fractured childhood through a cycle of toxic adult relationships, she provides a roadmap for others trapped in similar patterns of emotional devastation.
This book is more than a recounting of painful memories; it is a journey of awakening. It is an invitation for survivors to recognize their own patterns, reclaim their self-worth, and realize that it is never too late to break the cycle.
Written with a voice that is both reflective and empowering, Escapingthe Devils in My Pocket serves as a vital resource for survivors of narcissistic parents and complex trauma, advocates seeking to understand the psychological toll of emotional neglect, and readers looking for a story of profound personal transformation and rebirth.
Through every heartbreak, Merfert offers a message of unwavering hope: that survival is only the beginning, and rebirth is possible for anyone willing to face their past.
About the Author Merfert is a survivor and advocate dedicated to shedding light on the complexities of generational trauma and narcissism. Her work focuses on the intersection of healing, self-love, and the human spirit's resilience.
"Escaping… the Devils in My Pocket" is a 370-page paperback with a retail price of $24.00 (eBook $19.00). The ISBN is 979-8-89211-161-4. Published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For members of the press, to request a review copy or author interview, please visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/pages/media-requests or to buy the book, visit our online bookstore at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/escaping-the-devils-in-my-pocket . For more information on publishing services, please visit https://www.dorrancepublishing.com/
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You can see the original version and more on PRLeap here: http://www.prleap.com/pr/310449/conway-sc-author-publishes-memoir