Three people were stabbed when a brawl at Athen's Club Platinum turned to violence Sunday, January 6, 2014.
According to initial reports, a fight inside Club Platinum poured into the nightclub parking lot, turning into a large brawl. Three people were stabbed during the altercation. One victim suffered multiple stab wounds to his upper torso. Another victim, a security guard, was stabbed while attempting to break up the fight.
Athens police arrested 25-year-old Kendrick Yearby in connection to the stabbing Wednesday. He is facing charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. However, premises liability attorneys at The Murray Law Firm are questioning whether Club Platinum may also hold responsibility in this horrific incident.
- Club Platinum was the scene of a violent assault only one year ago. What efforts have been made since then to improve club security? Have weapons screenings, such as metal detectors and bag inspections, been implemented? Were additional security guards placed both inside and outside the club at the time of the stabbing? Were emergency call boxes and adequate lighting added to the nightclub parking lot following the previous assault?
- The brawl began as an argument inside the nightclub. What attempts were made by security and management to safely and separately remove all involved parties from the premises prior to it escalating to violence? Were police called at the start of the initial argument?
As the details of the stabbing continue to emerge, it may be possible that the nightclub owner and manager failed in their duty to protect the victims of this horrific assault. According to Georgia law, property owners have a duty to protect patrons legally on their property from foreseeable harm. Should an owner and manager have knowledge of prior incidents of violence on or near property, it is their duty to take extraordinary measures to protect patrons from future incidents of such violence. If they fail in this duty, the property may be held responsible for all injuries and deaths that occur as a consequence.
Should the owner and management of Club Platinum be found at fault for failing to protect the victims of this stabbing, all those injured may hold the nightclub civilly liable for their injuries. Further, any victims working at the time of the stabbing are almost certainly entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Total claims may be in the millions of dollars and will, most importantly, ensure Club Platinum and other Athens nightclub owners finally make patron safety their first priority.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive experience in protecting the victims of nightclub assaults and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information on our investigation of potential property negligence is encouraged to contact us at 706.494.2800 or toll free at 888.842.1616.
