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Read Below: Shooting victim lawyer Michael Haggard offers thoughts on a common question for shooting victims - can I sue for being shot at a bar?
A bar fight ended in gunfire at the Jade Lounge in Ocala on Saturday, February 29. Three people were wounded and one of those three later died from his injuries. That victim has been identified as 56-year-old James Wallace.
Police responded to reports of a shooting at the bar and found three wounded men in the parking lot. Officers reviewed security camera footage of the shooting.
In the video, three men are seen approaching another man who was sitting at the bar. One of the men punches the seated man, and the other two push him down to the ground. The man at the bar then pulls out a gun and shoots the three attackers.
According to police, all four men were known to each other but the nature of their relationship is unknown.
All three men were hospitalized. Two survived and are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities consider the shooting self-defense and no charges have been filed. The name of the shooter has not been released.
Crime victim lawyer Michael Haggard represents shooting victims and their families in civil lawsuits. We've asked Michael to add some information on the legal rights of bar shooting victims:
When a shooting happens at a bar, nightclub, or another business, all of the details must be investigated. It's important to determine whether the shooting could have been prevented. Some bar shootings only happen due to security failures or other forms of negligence.
Bar owners have a legal duty to keep their properties secure and to reduce the risk of violence as much as possible. In bar shooting cases, the question of negligence is based on whether the shooting was foreseeable. For example, a shooting might be deemed foreseeable if the bar had a history of prior violence. If the owner did not make efforts to improve security - such as hiring guards and banning weapons - bar shooting victims could have a case for a lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a bar shooting, you can learn more about your legal rights in a free consultation with one of our shooting victim lawyers.
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