Bars and adult entertainment clubs are not always the safest places. While many go to enjoy themselves and not bother anyone else, sometimes what starts as a verbal altercation turns into a violent situation in which people are hurt or killed.
Well, at a bar in Broward and a strip club in Palm Beach County this is exactly what happened.
At the bar in Broward, two men were killed and 10 people were injured. The shooting began when two men got in an altercation and one of them drew out a gun. In response, the bar's security guard pulled out his gun. Afterwards, shots were fired. The original gun man as well as the man with whom he was arguing were both killed. The ten injured people were wounded by gunshots. At this time, its unclear what happened at this bar. Investigators definitely have their work cut out for them.
In the Palm Beach shooting, an altercation led to one man getting shot in the foot and another shot in his leg. Two women were injured by shattered glass at the scene.
All premises owners have the duty to take certain steps to ensure that their patrons are not the victims of a violent crime committed by a third party. Here, the Broward bar apparently may have had some issues in the past if they felt the need to have an armed security guard on staff. This certainly shows that they took steps to protect their patrons.
However, was that enough? Should they have a metal detector at the entrance to catch patrons with guns? Or, maybe the security guard should pat down those who wish to enter? Maybe the security guard did pat down this gunman, but didn't do so properly. Another issue could arise if its determined the guard unnecessarily shot the unarmed man. Then there could be a wrongful death action The bar could also be held liable if the guard negligently shot some of the innocent bystanders.
All of these factors and more would be considered and looked at if the families of the deceased and the injured individuals decide to take legal action against the bar.
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If you, or a loved one, have been injured while staying at a resort, in a amusement park, car accident, or assaulted, while at a hotel, restaurant or bar, please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
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About the Author - Gabriel de las Salas is an attorney with the law firm of Alvarez & Barbara, LLP. His practice is focused on general civil and commercial litigation, including personal injury, insurance claims and real estate disputes. Mr. de las Salas received his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Florida, and his J.D., from Stetson University College of Law.
