The Legal Herald
Dontrell Lowell Watson Fatally Injured in Waldorf, MD Bar Shooting; Three Others Injured. (NBCWashington.com)
Could the shooting at a Waldorf bar have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and injured victims? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Gunfire erupted at a Waldorf, MD bar Friday night, October 30, 2020, leaving one man dead and three other people injured.
As reported by WTOP.com, “the shooting took place before 9 p.m. at [a] Bar and Lounge on Crain Highway in Waldorf.”
NBCWashington.com is reporting, “[m]edics took the victims to area hospitals. Dontrell Lowell Watson, 34, of Upper Marlboro, died a short time later…[o]ne person is in critical condition and the other two are in serious condition.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Our Legal Take
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Bar patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the bar 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 the bar aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Does the bar have a protocol to check guests for deadly weapons prior to 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 Dontrell Lowell Watson may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victims 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 Dontrell Lowell Watson and any injured victims 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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