When you go out for a night on the town, you expect to enjoy yourself in an environment that promotes fun, as well as safety. Unfortunately, far too often, nightclubs become a catalyst for danger. From disagreements that turn violent to building fire hazards, the news is filled with stories of nightclub patrons whose night of fun ended in tragedy.
The New York Post is reporting about a 19-year-old girl who was killed outside of a Florida nightclub when gunfire erupted. The victim was reportedly part of a group that was gathered in front of the building following their exit from the building. A car allegedly drove through the crowd and fired into it, killing the victim and injuring five others. Three of other victims are reportedly listed in serious, but stable condition. Two others suffered from injuries that were non-threatening to their lives. According to the news article, more than 1,000 individuals were assembled outside of the club.
A little over one month ago, sheriffs in Okaloosa County investigated another shooting outside of a nightclub, according to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze. A victim in his early 20s was reportedly gunned down and killed while standing in front of the building upon his exit.
Nightclub owners owe a duty to their patrons. They must put measures in place to promote safety and reasonably prevent injurious actions. Some of the responsibilities include:
- Employing security – Operators should ensure that there is always an adequate number of security guards/bouncers on duty to handle the size of the crowd in attendance. These employees should also possess the needed qualifications to reasonably handle emergency incidents as they occur.
- Controlling the liquor – In nightclubs where alcohol is served, the operators also possess a duty to reasonably monitor the flow of drinks and recognize when an individual had enough to drink.
- Providing exits – Operators should ensure that all exits from the building are readily available in case of emergency. This responsibility also includes ensuring that the number of attendees does not exceed statutory limits. Too many individuals can cause a highly dangerous hazard in situations where emergency evacuation is necessary.
- Securing the grounds – The owner’s responsibility does not end at the door. They may also have a duty to secure the grounds surrounding the outside of the club, including parking lots or other areas where patrons tend to congregate. Operators should work to disperse crowds. They should also operate working security cameras and maintain a relationship with local law enforcement officials. When suspicious or threatening situations occur, emergency officials should be quickly notified.
When injuries occur in a nightclub, due to the negligence of the owner or operator, victims can pursue financial compensation through the establishment’s insurance carrier. If the company denies the claim or offers an inadequate payment, the victim can file a claim in the courts.
Let Us Help You with Your Claim in Tallahassee
If you or a loved was injured in a nightclub incident, call Fasig & Brooks in Tallahassee for a free consultation on your case. Our capable attorneys can fight for your interests in court and secure the compensation you deserve.
