Altoona, PA - Melissa Amala Allegedly Stabbed a Victim Multiple Times at The Palace

Stabbing at Bar Leaves One Injured

WJAC TV has reported that a stabbing occurred at The Palace located at 2314 Union Ave, Altoona, PA 16602. 

At around 3 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021, a victim was stabbed multiple times. The police are currently searching for 45-year-old Melissa Amala, who they have named the main suspect. She is currently facing charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, in addition to reckless endangerment. The exact details of the incident have not been released as they are still being investigated. 

Can Bar Owners Be Held Liable For Stabbings?

Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea represents bar-stabbing and shooting victims in civil lawsuits. Brian is an experienced stabbing victim attorney and has recently offered some of the legal rights for those who have been stabbed at a bar.

"Bars and nightclubs have high rates of violent crime in comparison to other commercial properties. Bar owners understand this and should do everything possible to keep their bars, patrons, and staff safe from preventable violence. If a shooting or stabbing occurs at a bar, law enforcement must investigate the crime. This should include the security being implemented at the bar." 

"Often, bar stabbings may have been prevented if the bar owner had not neglected adequate security measures. For example, if the bar had past incidents of violence, but security improvements were not made, the owner could be considered negligent. Security measures could include hiring additional security guards, improving lighting on the property, and installing video monitoring cameras. In such negligence cases, bar violence victims and their families may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the bar owner for neglect. Victims should go over their legal options and the liability of the negligent bar owner with an experienced stabbing victim attorney."

Sources: 

WJAC TV