Accidents are the result of out-of-control energy putting more stress on a structure (including the human body) than that structure can tolerate without damage. From this concept of accident causation, preventing or minimizing accidental losses centers upon attempts to identify conditions which produce inadequately controlled energy, or methods of safeguarding structure against such energy.

The depth necessary to submerge a ship to her load line.

An unconditional order in writing from one person (the drawer) to another (the drawee), directing the Drawee to pay a specified amount to a named Drawer at a fixed or determinable future date.

An exclusion in liability insurance policies for liability resulting from distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Liquor liability laws are called dram shop laws. They provide that a person serving someone who is intoxicated or contributing to the intoxication of another person may be liable for injury or damage caused by the intoxicated person.

State laws pertaining to selling and serving alcoholic beverages and the public liability these activities may entail. Also called alcoholic beverage control (ABC) laws.

A liability law that applies to serving alcohol or otherwise contributing to another person’s intoxication. Any person engaged in either activity could be found liable for the injuries sustained by the intoxicated person, or the damages they cause.