WFMZ reported a shooting that occurred just outside of the Rmusic 21 lounge located at 128 E Centre St, Mahanoy City, PA 17948.
On January 18, 2022, police arrested 36-year-old Santonio Malone for his connection in the shooting that occurred at the hookah bar on October 24, 2021. Malone is suspected of shooting two men during a disturbance at around 3 a.m. Police believe the shooting occurred after the men were refused to enter the hookah bar. One victim died at the scene, while the other was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Malone fled the scene but was apprehended in Tennessee. He has been charged with murder, attempted homicide, among other charges.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea is an experienced shooting victim lawyer. For years, Brian has represented victims shot in bars and lounges. He often gets asked, "Can I sue for being shot?" Below, he addresses when victims of bar shootings can sue for compensation.
"Violence at bars and lounges is an ongoing issue. Knowing this, bar owners should take the safety of their patrons and staff seriously. Bar owners must do what they can to secure the establishments from preventable violence, such as stabbings and shootings. By adopting safety measures to secure its premises, such as hiring guards having ample lighting and security cameras, the bar owner has affirmed its duty to reduce the risks. However, if they fail to maintain a level of safety, and people are injured or killed in bar shootings, they could be deemed negligent."
"If a bar shooting occurs due to the bar owner's safety negligence, they can be held liable. Foreseeability plays a significant factor in determining whether a shooting occurred due to negligence. If the bar had previous issues with violence, but the bar owner neglected to improve its security, the shooting might be foreseeable. The bar owner could be considered negligent and held accountable for the bar shooting in a lawsuit. Victims should consult with an experienced shooting victim lawyer to determine if they can sue the bar for safety negligence."