The Legal Herald
(WCMH News 4)
Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Fatal Columbus Nightclub Shooting
Local News
22-year-old Bryan K. Hawk, Jr. was reportedly killed in a fatal shooting at the Xclusive Elite Night Club overnight Saturday, April 16, 2016.
According to WCMH News 4, gunfire erupted “at the Xclusive Elite Night Club on Channingway Center Drive,” shortly after 2:00 a.m. Mr. Hawk apparently suffered “several gunshot wounds” during the attack.
Police have not yet identified a suspect or motive in the investigation. Per 10tv.com, in June of 2015 two men were shot “[o]utside Xclusive Venue in the 1900 block of Channingway Center Drive, off of Brice Road.” The news outlet reported that the men “were leaving the club when someone shot several rounds at them.”
Our Legal Take
Nightclub patrons have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment that they are visiting. Given the 10tv.com report regarding prior gun violence, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to patrons of the nightclub where this incident occurred and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What security measures, such as surveillance cameras, bright lighting and security patrols, were in place outside the nightclub to protect patrons at the time of the shooting?
- Based on the reported incident of prior violence, were any additional security precautions implemented by the nightclub 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 parking lot or nightclub failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of Mr. Hawk may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death.
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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