
(WTVM News)
Security Failure? Our Legal Take: Fatal Parking Lot Brawl
Local News
A young father of two reportedly passed away within hours of a fight in a parking lot outside a Columbus bar early Saturday morning, January 30, 2016.
According to WTVM News, “mayhem” broke out in a shopping center parking lot on North Veterans Parkway, leaving several “knocked to the ground” amid what WTVM reports was a “big brawl.” This victim’s family is now “searching for answers” as to why this fatal fight began and how this father of two young children tragically lost his life.
Our Legal Take
Shopping center patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to patrons of the shopping complex, and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What parking lot security measures, such as bright lighting, surveillance cameras and security patrols, were in place at the time of the shooting?
- Were any efforts made by nightclub or parking lot security to deescalate the situation and safely and separately remove those involved from the premises? Were police called by nightclub or parking lot security to assist in escorting those involved from the scene?
Generally, business owners and operators are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the owner or operator of the shopping center failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of the young victim may seek justice and elect to pursue a legal claim for his wrongful death.
Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victim’s family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim. Based upon its prior experience in handling security negligence claims in Georgia, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.
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The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe properties in Georgia, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Georgia Clients in Fulton County State Court.
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