Fatal Parking Lot Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Austin Parking Lot Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 3 Injured
Did negligent security contribute to this tragic shooting? Read Our Legal Take to find out if the victims and their families may have a claim for compensation.
Local News
A parking lot shooting outside an Austin food truck reportedly claimed the life of one man and left three women injured early Sunday morning, May 8, 2016.
According to KVUE News, the parking lot shooting occurred when “two men got into an argument in the 8600 block of North Lamar that escalated with one man pulling out a gun and shooting the other.” A male victim succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene, while three female victims were transported to the hospital with injuries, per KWTX 10 reports.
Employees of Taquerias Las Chivas, a restaurant next to the food truck parking lot, reportedly told media, “its not uncommon to see men sitting and drinking in the parking lot next to their restaurant.” The restaurant manager shared thoughts on parking lot security with KVUE, “Whatever happens outside in the parking lot right next to us is not under our control. What can we do?”
Our Legal Take
Parking lot patrons have a right to feel safe and secure within the premises of the establishment they are visiting. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided by the parking lot owner and whether this unconscionable attack may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as bright lighting, security patrols and surveillance cameras, were in place at the time of the shooting?
- Restaurant staff is reportedly aware of loiterers drinking in the parking lot. Has there been a history of crime on property and, if so, were any additional security precautions implemented by the parking lot owner and management to deter crime and protect patrons?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the parking lot owner or management failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the victim’s family may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death. Additionally, the other victims of this assault may elect to pursue legal claims for their injuries.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim’s family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Property Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Hablamos Español
La Firma del Abogado Murray, extensiva y exitosamente ha representado familias que han perdido seres queridos como consecuencia de ataques violentos en apartamentos y propiedades negligentes, si lo desea, le ofrecemos nuestros servicios y experiencia. A quien busque ayuda o representación legal, le alentamos que se contacte con nosotros (haga clic aquí) al 888.842.1616. La consulta no cuesta nada y es confidencial.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”