The Legal Herald
Joes Nightclub “Marked ‘Club Fiesta’ from Outside” (KHOU News)
Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Bystanders Injured in Houston Nightclub Shootout
Local News
A fight in the parking lot of a nightclub reportedly claimed the life of one person and left several others injured Sunday morning, February 14, 2016.
According to KHOU News, “[o]ne man was killed and four others were injured in a shootout early Sunday morning outside a club in southeast Houston” following an altercation between two groups broke out inside the nightclub and spilled out into the Winkler Drive parking lot, around 6:30am. One person apparently retrieved a pistol from his car and opened fire into the crowded parking lot. A nightclub bouncer reportedly fired back, fatally striking the gunman, per media reports. Three female bystanders were also struck and injured in the exchange of gunfire. Their conditions have not been released. According to the news outlet, the bouncer was an employee of “Joe’s Night Club” although “[t]he club is marked ‘Club Fiesta’ from the outside.”
Our Legal Take
Nightclub patrons have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment that they are visiting. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to patrons of the nightclub and whether this horrific shooting may have been prevented.
- What parking lot security measures, such as surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and security patrols, were in place to protect patrons and deter crime at the time of the shooting?
- Were any attempts made by nightclub management or security to safely and separately escort those involved in the initial dispute from the premises? Were police called at the start of the initial altercation?
Generally, nightclub owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the nightclub owner or management failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the injured bystanders may elect to seek justice and pursue legal claim for their injuries.
Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim. Based upon its prior experience in handling property security negligence claims, 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.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Nightclub 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 we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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