Houston, Texas - 2 Men Shot, 2 Others Injured in Fight Outside El Torito VIP Bar

Fight Results in Gunshots Outside of El Torito VIP

Two men were shot after a fight spilled outside of El Torito VIP in north Houston early Sunday morning.

Gunshots were fired outside of the club at around 4 a.m. following an altercation that began inside. The full circumstances leading up to the shooting are unknown, but two groups of men apparently began fighting inside. Two of the men suffered serious beating injuries during the fight and another two were wounded by gunshots.

One of the gunshot victims was driven to Houston Methodist Hospital by acquaintances. The other, who was shot in the face, was rushed to a nearby hospital by an ambulance.

The suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle. Three men were taken into custody as the crowds dispersed, but it was not clear if they were detained because of the right or an unrelated issue.

Police are still searching for suspects and this investigation is ongoing.

Are Nightclub Owners Liable for Shootings?

Anjali Nigam represents victims of preventable shootings in civil cases. Here is some perspective from Anjali on bar and nightclub owner liability for shootings on their properties:

For all types of property owners, the safety of their premises must be the top priority. Bar and nightclub owners have a legal obligation to keep their properties free of foreseeable dangers that could end up injuring or killing their customers, employees, and other visitors. Foreseeable violent crime must also be guarded against. When a shooting happens at a bar or nightclub, it's important to determine if security was up to par or if the shooting could have been prevented if not for property owner negligence.

For example, the owner of a bar with a history of violent incidents would have an obligation to make efforts to improve safety - such as hiring security guards and subjecting customers to weapons searches upon entry. If inadequate security or another form of negligence allowed the shooting to occur, then the victims and their families may have a case for a lawsuit.

Have you or a loved one been wounded or killed in a bar or nightclub shooting? We understand the difficulties your family is facing and we want to help. Learn more about your family's legal options by contacting one of our experienced crime victim attorneys.