In what is becoming quite the regular occurrence in South Florida, a young man was stabbed at a popular South Beach nightclub. The stabbing resulted after a verbal altercation between two men at the nightclub.
The altercation started because the victim and his friends were approached by 24-year old Mark Belser. Allegedly, Belser touched one of the women in the victim's group inappropriately. The victim and Belser then began arguing. Belser eventually walked away after making taunting gestures and making cutting motions across his neck.
However, Belser would return in a short time. When he returned, the victim and Belser get into a physical altercation. Then, Belser began to stab the victim. Luckily, the victim did not sustain life-threatening injuries and is expected to fully recover.
According to police, it is not known whether Belser had the knife with him to begin with or if he went someplace else to get it.
Out of pure speculation, let's say that Belser grabbed the knife from a table or bar in the restaurant because an employee had left it there. That would certainly help establish a case that the nightclub was negligent.
Also, why weren't all these individuals removed from the premises after the verbal altercation? It's certainly possible that a jury could find that the nightclub provided inadequate security because the arguing individuals were not escorted from the club.
While we're not saying that the South Beach nightclub was negligent in any way, a competent attorney would take these factors into account if assessing this case. Ultimately, this nightclub has a duty to prevent is patrons from becoming the victims of violent crimes on its premises.
At Alvarez & Barbara, LLP, we have successfully represented clients in inadequate security cases. If you or a loved one are the victim of a violent crime on the premises of business or business operator, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
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.
