Elmira, NY - Stabbing at The Branch Office Bar Leaves One Dead

Man Fatally Stabbed in Large Bar Fight

According to the MyTwinTiers, a large fight broke out at The Branch Office bar located at 406 W Washington Ave, Elmira, NY 14901. 

On December 19, 2021, at around 1 a.m., police were called to a bar brawl that continued in the parking lot after the bar was forced to shut down. Police investigators say the bar decided to close when several fights began inside. When police arrived, they found a man suffering from a stab wound to the neck. Despite the efforts of a civilian to perform CPR, the victim died later at the hospital.

At least 75 people were involved in the fights that continued even after the police arrived. The New York State Liquor Authority has launched an investigation in the bar. 

Are Bar Owners Liable For Stabbings?

Attorney contributor Laurence Banville is a New York stabbing victim attorney. Laurence represents bar and club stabbing and shooting victims in private civil lawsuits. During a recent interview, he shared his thoughts regarding if a bar can be held liable for stabbings. 

"When compared to other types of businesses, bars and nightclubs have a higher rate of violent crime occurrences, including stabbings and shootings. Bar and nightclub owners should do everything to keep their establishments safe for their patrons and staff. This may involve employing trained security guards, installing video surveillance cameras, and offering a well-lit environment. A bar owner's failure to maintain a level of safety could cause them to be deemed negligent." 

"If a stabbing happens at a bar, the bar should be investigated for safety negligence. Sadly, some bar stabbings could have been prevented if the bar's safety was not neglected. If a bar had previous incidents of violence yet the owner did not improve its security, they could be held liable in a civil lawsuit. In certain cases of bar safety negligence, bar stabbing victims and their families may have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit. Discussing your case with an experienced stabbing victim attorney can ensure you know your options and get the best compensation."

Sources: 

MyTwinTiers