Marion County, Florida - 2 in Serious Condition After Shooting at Paradise Bar

Marion County Deputies Investigating Double Shooting at Paradise Bar

Two people were wounded in a shooting at Paradise Bar and Lounge in Marion County early Sunday morning. Deputies responded to the bar at 13033 N. Highway 441 on reports of a shooting. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered two people with serious injuries. The two victims were transported to area hospitals and are listed in serious condition.

As of Monday, those two victims were still in the hospital recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made and police are not currently searching for any suspects. An investigation is ongoing.

According to a report by ABC 20 WCJB, this was not the first violent incident at the Paradise Bar. The manager told reporters that a bullet struck a deputy's car in April and that another bullet hit a man's car in November. Management has announced that more security guards will be hired.

Are Bar Owners Liable For Shootings?

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard helps violent crime victims and their families recover financial compensation for the damages they've suffered. We've asked him to contribute some general info on bar liability for shootings and stabbings:

Bar owners and all other types of property owners have a legal obligation to protect their properties from the risk of foreseeable dangers, including foreseeable violent crime. When a shooting or stabbing occurs at a bar and people get hurt, the top priority is getting the victims the help they need and apprehending the perpetrator. In the aftermath of the shooting, it's also important to determine if the bar failed to meet their legal obligation to safety.

In cases where a shooting occurs at a bar with a history of violence, the bar owner may be held liable for the shooting if they failed to take measures to reduce the risk of additional violence. For example, a bar owner could improve safety by hiring security guards and requiring guests to be searched for weapons before entering the bar.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bar shooting or another violent incident at a business, you can learn more about your family's legal options by speaking to an experienced crime victim attorney.