Could the shooting at a Livingston nightclub have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
Local News
Gunfire rang out at a Livingston, Texas nightclub early Sunday morning, January 30, 2021, leaving one man dead and another injured.
As reported by KETK.com, “the Polk County Sheriff’s office received a 911 call early Sunday morning concerning a shooting at [a nightclub] on Highway 59 South.”
According to the report, “[a]fter deputies and the Livingston Police Department arrived on the scene, they discovered that two people had been shot during an altercation and had been taken to the Livingston Hospital by personal vehicles.”
KJAS.com is reporting, one suspect “later surrendered to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department after Jeric Smith, 26, and Tykedric Love, 45, were shot. [Jeric] Smith was pronounced dead at Livingston Memorial Hospital, while [Tykedric] Love was, at last word, still undergoing treatment in a Houston hospital.”
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 Jeric Smith may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, Tykedric Love may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for his 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 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 Jeric Smith 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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