Negligence is known as a ‘common law’ claim, meaning it has evolved over a period of time from the decisions of courts and judges. Negligence claims are the most frequent and common types of claims that are brought on behalf of seriously injured victims. There are also claims known as ‘statutory claims’ or statutory ‘causes of action’, which are simply claims that are grounded or based upon special or specific laws enacted by the legislature. Statutory claims sometimes exist to protect a group of persons who are at particular risk of serious injury. For example, special statutory claims exist in the State of New York to protect construction workers (these are known in New York as Labor Laws). A more general type of statutory claim is known as a dram shop claim. Dram shop laws are special statutory laws that protect the general public by imposing liability against bars and taverns for serious injuries caused by serving alcohol to already-intoxicated persons.