Allentown, PA - Four Adults in Hospital After Being Shot at East Side Youth Center

Four Injured in Shooting at PA Rec Center 

According to CBS News, a shooting occurred at the East Side Youth Center located at 1140 E Clair St, Allentown, PA 18109. 

At approximately 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2023, shots were fired at the Allentown recreation center during a basketball game. Officers arrived to find one of the injured victims at the scene, but the other three took private transportation to a nearby hospital. The condition of the four adult victims is unknown at this time, and police are still investigating what led to the shooting. 

Can I Sue For Being Shot at a Recreational Center?

Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea represents victims of shootings in civil lawsuits in Pennsylvania. Recently Brian shared his insight on the legal options available to victims of shootings. He explained when victims could sue for being shot at a rec center.

"It is the responsibility of the community center to maintain a safe environment for their guests and staff. Recreational centers provide a much-needed service to the community. At the same time, they have a duty to ensure a safety plan to reduce the risk of preventable dangers. It is possible to reduce these risks by monitoring all entrances, having security cameras throughout the property, and ensuring sufficient security for all events. A community center may be deemed negligent if a crime occurs because they failed to place the safety first."

"Following a rec center shooting, there are many things to investigate. Victims and their families can file criminal lawsuits. If the center was found to have neglected its security, a civil suit might also be filed against it. Shooting victims can consult with an experienced gun violence attorney to determine if they have grounds to file a suit. They must prove that the crime was foreseeable and that the center was negligent. When a community center has a history of violence but fails to increase its security, crimes that occur may be deemed foreseeable. In the event of security negligence, victims and their families may even be able to recover compensation."

Sources:

CBS News