The Legal Herald
(WSPA 7 News)
Security Failure? Our Legal Take: Bystanders Shot Outside Belton Bar
Local News
A shooting outside Cheers and Spirits bar in Belton reportedly claimed the life of 23-year-old Jalen Khallid Burton and left another critically injured Saturday morning, March 12, 2016.
According to Greenville News, an altercation may have led to the shooting, which occurred “about 1:30am Saturday behind Cheers and Spirits on Anderson Street….” Authorities believe “the two victims were bystanders who were struck in the crossfire.”
Police have not yet identified a gunman in the attack, apparently leaving local residents concerned for their safety. Local resident, Brenda Fricks, told 7 News, “[t]hey need to shut that bar down. Every time I turn around, I hear about something happening here.”
Our Legal Take
Bar patrons have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment that they are visiting. Given the alleged history of violence at this location, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to patrons of the bar and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What parking lot security measures, such as 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 and management to deter crime?
Generally, bar and 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 bar owner or management failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of Jalen Khallid Burton may elect to seek justice and pursue legal claim for his wrongful death. Additionally, the other victim of this horrific attack may elect to pursue a legal claim for any injuries he suffered.
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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