Arizona Bar and Nightclub Shooting Lawyer
Gun violence is a national epidemic, one that Arizona is sadly not immune to. In 2020, gun violence rose by 44% in the state.
Though these tragic accidents may seem unpredictable, there are security measures business owners should implement to deter shootings. When not followed, bar and nightclub patrons may be more at risk of being injured in an act of violence.
Were you or a loved one injured in a bar or nightclub shooting? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Bar and nightclub owners have a duty of care towards customers on their premises. If they failed to implement reasonable safety measures that could have prevented a shooting from occurring, such as hiring adequate security personnel, they may be held liable.
Contact Lerner & Rowe’s Arizona premises liability attorneys for a free legal consultation to learn more about your legal rights. Our team is available 24/7 to speak with you.
Examples of Bar and Nightclub Owner Negligence
When bars and nightclubs fail to implement basic security measures, shootings may be more likely to happen.
The following are examples of negligent behavior that may cause a bar or nightclub owner to be held liable for a shooting:
- Insufficient security equipment: Bars and nightclubs should be equipped with working security cameras and proper lighting to help deter violence from happening. This includes inside and outside the property.
- Poorly trained personnel: Security staff should be trained on how to look for weapons during bag checks and pat-downs. All staff should also know how to defuse a heated and violent situation and the measures to follow if violence breaks out.
- Insufficient personnel: Depending on crowd size, sometimes one security guard is not enough. A nightclub or bar should hire enough personnel to ensure security personnel can properly prevent and respond to violent activity.
- Failed to perform background checks on employees: Sometimes employees can instigate or escalate violence with patrons. In May 2021, a nightclub security guard in Phoneix was arrested for shooting and killing a man outside Club Silverado.
- Lack of exists or blocked emergency exits: More people can be injured unnecessarily if there are not enough exists, particularly if they are trapped inside with an active shooter.
When is a Shooting in Arizona Considered a ‘Foreseeable Act’?
While it is impossible to predict if or when violence may occur, it is always a possibility. There are some factors that may make violence seem not only possible but foreseeable. As such, businesses can be held liable if they fail to put in place reasonable measures in place to prevent them from happening or mitigating damage if they do occur.
A bar or nightclub shooting may be considered foreseeable if:
- A shooting had previously taken place at that location or in a similar business in the area
- If the bar or nightclub is in an area with an above-average crime rate
- The business was already aware of the shooter and had previous experiences or knowledge suggesting that the shooter presented a risk for violent behavior
Though the above factors may increase the likelihood that a shooting may occur at a particular bar or nightclub, most mass shootings can be considered foreseeable now given the high rate of gun violence in the country. The tragic 2016 mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando is just one example of why all Arizona bar and nightclub owners should implement safety measures to help mitigate violence.
Who Is Eligible to File a Lawsuit After an Arizona Bar or Nightclub Shooting?
If you were injured in a bar or nightclub shooting, you may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury attorney at Lerner & Rowe can review your case to see if there were gaps in the business’ security that may have failed to prevent the shooting from occurring.
If you lost a loved one in an Arizona bar or nightclub shooting, including a spouse or parent, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our Arizona personal injury attorneys understand the sensitivity of these cases and are here to walk you through every step of the litigation process.
Types of Compensation Arizona Shooting Victims May Be Entitled To
An Arizona bar or nightclub lawsuit can help recover compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of support
In addition to covering your past expenses and losses, the bar and nightclub shooting injury lawyers at Lerner & Rowe will fight to ensure your settlement or verdict accounts for your future losses as well.
How an Arizona Bar & Nightclub Shooting Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Gun violence can result in lifelong injuries or sadly, loss of life. These cases can be complex and sensitive and require assistance from a skilled personal injury attorney.
Our Arizona lawyers can assist you in the following ways:
- Investigating the shooting: We will leverage our team of investigators to gather evidence documenting how the shooting occurred, including how the shooter was able to gain entry into the building with a gun and any other gaps in security that allowed the shooter to injure you or your loved one.
- Filing a lawsuit: Once we understand how you were injured and the potentially liable parties, our bar and nightclub shooting injury lawyers will file a lawsuit on your behalf to hold the negligent parties responsible for your losses.
- Fighting for a fair settlement or verdict: Our Arizona lawyers will fight to ensure you are fairly compensated for your losses. This includes negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement offer and representing you in trial if the insurance company refuses to settle.
Why Hire Lerner & Rowe?
Lerner & Rowe is a nationwide personal injury law firm that has helped tens of thousands of clients. In one year alone, our attorneys secured more than $100 million in compensation for our clients.
You can reach us 24/7 for legal assistance by calling 602-977-1900 or contacting us online. You will not pay any fees unless you win your case.