Liquor Liability Product Assault or Battery

"Assault" means the threat or use of force on another that causes that person to have apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive conduct, whether or not the threat or use of force is alleged to be negligent, intentional or criminal in nature.
"Battery" means negligent or intentional wrongful physical contact with another without consent that results in physical or emotional injury.

Consider the following Actual Claim Examples: (It could happen to you)

• A minor using a fake I.D. was drinking at a restaurant. While on the dance floor, an argument broke out with another patron. The minor hit the other patron near the eye with a beer bottle causing significant injuries and requiring eye surgery. The total claim resulted in $185,000 in damages split between the general liability and liquor liability carriers, and defense costs totalled $98,000.
• While watching a football game at a local bar, three friends became involved in an altercation with another patron who
  was intoxicated. During the fight, the other patron stabbed one of the friends, and the friend was later pronounced dead at the
  hospital. The policy limit of $300,000 was exhausted and defense costs totalled $25,000.
• A woman and a group of friends attended a hockey game where they each drank two beers. They later consumed more
  beer at a neighborhood bar. While in line for the restroom, the woman got into a fight with another patron. The woman
  was escorted from the bar by the bouncer, and after showing resistance, she was picked up by the bouncer and thrown
  to the ground. She sustained multiple injuries and required surgery. The woman filed suit against the bar, claiming her
  injuries stemmed from the over service of alcohol. The claim settled for $90,000 and additional expenses totaled $15,500.
• Two patrons “bumped” into each other at the service bar of a hotel. Both showed signs of intoxication and one “sucker punched” the other. The injured patron sustained a severe head trauma, resulting in permanent injuries. The policy limit of $100,000 was exhausted and defense costs exceeded $37,000.
• An intoxicated patron hit another man in a bar. The victim did not retaliate and left the bar to go home. The intoxicated patron and his friends followed the man and ended up assaulting him. The man was in a coma for four months and was subsequently institutionalized due to the severity of his injuries. The claim was settled for $405,000, the remaining policy aggregate limits. Defense costs exceeded $17,000.