St. Patrick’s Day Injuries in Scranton and Your Legal Rights Under Dram Shop and Premises Liability Laws

Each year, Scranton turns green for the Scranton St. Patrick’s Parade, a tradition locals simply call “Parade Day.” The annual celebration always fills downtown with Irish pride, bagpipes, dancers, floats, and as many as 150,000 spectators. Organized by the St. Patrick’s Parade Association of Lackawanna County, the event (aside from spectators) draws over 12,000 participants and stands among the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the United States!

Large celebrations also bring crowded streets, busy bars, and heightened safety risks. When thousands of pedestrians are gathered, accidents can happen quickly and easily. Our Scranton personal injury attorneys at Munley Law are well-equipped to help victims of pedestrian accidents during St. Patrick’s Day. Some of our recent settlements for pedestrians have included verdicts of up to $3.5 million.

Understanding how Pennsylvania law addresses pedestrian accidents, especially alcohol-related injuries, can help parade-goers stay safe and know their rights if something goes wrong this year.

Alcohol and Public Celebrations

It’s no secret that the city of Scranton will see countless pints of beer filled and enjoyed on Parade Day. For many people, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations include visiting local pubs or restaurants along the parade route and enjoying festive drink specials. Many parade-goers will even be participating in bar crawls. Responsible enjoyment is a big part of the holiday spirit this week, but over-service of alcohol can create numerous dangerous situations.

A group of friends participating in a Parade Day bar crawl might stop at several pubs along the route throughout the afternoon. Let’s say one person in the group becomes visibly intoxicated but continues to be served drinks at multiple stops. Later, while walking through the crowded streets after the parade, that individual pushes through the crowd and causes a serious fall that injures another parade-goer. The injured parade-goer could have a claim filed against the establishments that overserved the intoxicated pedestrian due to the dram shop law. 

Pennsylvania’s dram shop law allows injured individuals to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes harm. If a bar overserves a customer who later causes an accident, such as a drunk driving crash or an assault, the establishment may share legal responsibility. 

Dram shop law often plays an important role in cases involving injuries caused by drunk driving. When a visibly intoxicated person is overserved and later gets behind the wheel, both the driver and the establishment that served the alcohol may be held responsible for the harm that follows. With the increased drinking that often accompanies St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, staying aware and making safe choices becomes especially important. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), there were 24 alcohol-related car crashes reported across the state on March 17, 2025, alone.

Premises Liability and Parade-Day Safety

Crowded celebrations also create hazards unrelated to alcohol. Businesses that open their doors during the parade must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. Under Pennsylvania law, property owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions. This is called premises liability.

Common premises liability risks during large events include:

• Slippery floors or spilled drinks inside crowded bars
• Poor lighting in stairwells or entrances
• Broken railings or unstable seating areas
• Inadequate crowd control around entrances or exits
• Unsafe walkways or obstructed paths

When property owners fail to address these hazards, injured visitors may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

Practical Tips for a Safe Parade Day

A few simple precautions can help you enjoy Scranton’s St. Patrick’s festivities while avoiding unnecessary risks.

• Plan transportation in advance. If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver or rideshare before the parade begins.
• Stay aware in crowded spaces. Bars and sidewalks along the parade route can become packed quickly. Watch for spills or uneven surfaces.
• Choose reputable establishments. Responsible venues monitor alcohol service and maintain safe conditions for guests.
• Look out for friends. The best celebrations happen when everyone gets home safely.

Why Local Experience Matters After an Injury

When accidents happen during large public celebrations, determining responsibility can be complicated. Dram shop claims often require proof that a person was visibly intoxicated when served alcohol. Premises liability cases may involve surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.

The attorneys at Munley Law help injured individuals understand their rights and pursue compensation after serious accidents. If you or someone you love is hurt during parade celebrations in Scranton, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you determine the next steps.

Enjoy the Celebration Safely

The Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight of the year. With Irish music, colorful floats, dancers, and thousands of spectators dressed in green, it’s a celebration of culture, community, and a little bit of Irish luck.

The attorneys at Munley Law are looking forward to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and are excited to celebrate their Irish heritage. Every partner at the firm has been named to the Irish Legal 100, a list created by the Irish Voice newspaper honoring accomplished Irish-American and Irish-born legal professionals in the United States.

Enjoy the festivities, raise a responsible toast, and have a safe and memorable Parade Day.