Nightclub Security Negligence? Our Legal Take: Fatal Shooting at Mr. D’s Lodge
Was security negligence a factor in this tragic shooting, and do the victims’ families have a right to compensation? Read our legal take?
Local News
A fatal shooting at Mr. D’s Lodge in Auburn reportedly claimed the lives of three young men and left another injured Saturday morning, April 23, 2016. According to WSFA News 12, the shooting occurred “after an altercation broke out at a club known as Mr. D’s Lodge.” “[O]fficers received a call about a shooting around 2 a.m. at Mr. D’s,” per WHNT.com, and police reportedly arrived on scene as shots were still being fired. News 15 reports, 32-year-old Jadarrion Spinks, 25-year-old Roderick Nelms and 43-year-old Recco Cobb succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene. A fourth victim was transported to East Alabama Medical Center and “is expected to recover,” per media reports.
Police have allegedly charged a suspect in connection with the shooting.
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 establishment where this incident occurred and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as weapons screenings, surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and security patrols, were in place to protect patrons at the time of the shooting?
- Have there been previous incidents of violence on or near property and, if so, were any additional security precautions implemented by the owner or management to deter future crime?
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 owner or management of the establishment failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the families of Mr. Spinks, Mr. Nelms and Mr. Cobb may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for their wrongful deaths. Additionally, the surviving victim may elect to pursue a legal claim for his 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 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.
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.
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.”