The Legal Herald
David Branch Loses Life in Portsmouth, VA Hotel Shooting; One Other Woman Injured. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)
Did negligent security contribute to this hotel shooting death and injuries and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and the injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
A shooting at a Portsmouth, VA hotel early Wednesday morning, February 2, 2022 claimed the life of one man and injured one woman.
As reported by WAVY.com, “[police] received a call around 5:53 a.m. regarding a shooting at [a hotel] near the 300 block of Effingham Street.”
WTKR.com is reporting, “[w]hen officers arrived on the scene…they found a man and a female victim shot. The man, identified as 40-year-old David Branch, didn’t survive.
According to the report, “[t]he female victim, whose age hasn’t been released was seriously hurt…and taken to the hospital for treatment.”
WAVY.com is reporting, “[t]his was the second shooting incident at [this location] in just over a week.”
The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Hotel guests and visitors have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the hotel 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 there been prior incidents of violence on or near the property?
- Was the hotel aware of any improper activity before the incident occurred?
- What security measures, such as guarded-entry, monitored surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and visible security patrols were in place to deter crime and protect the victim and others 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 hotel owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its guests and visitors, the family of David Branch may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.
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 of the property 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 David Branch and any injured victim 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.
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.
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