Could the shooting at an Austin nightclub have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Update: According to KXAN.com, “[t]he Austin Police Department said [the victim] was Jocson Antonio Zelaya Blanco, 23.”
Gunfire rang out at an Austin, Texas nightclub parking lot early Sunday morning, September 12, 2021, leaving one man dead.
As reported by KVUE.com, the shooting happened in the parking lot of “El Nocturno Night Club on North Lamar Boulevard, just south of Highway 183, around 2:20 a.m.”
CBSAustin.com is reporting, “officers responded to a reported shooting and found a male in his 20s with multiple gunshot wounds.”
According to the report, “Austin-Travis County EMS medics arrived and attempted life saving measures, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The shooting remains under investigation.
Our Legal Take
Nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the nightclub is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Was there any suspicious activity or suspicious people on the property prior to the shooting.
- Does the nightclub have a protocol to check for deadly weapons prior to patrons entering the establishment.
- What security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the bar owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors, the family of Jocson Antonio Zelaya Blanco may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection and investigation will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Jocson Antonio Zelaya Blanco retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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