Plant City, FL - One Killed and Another Injured During Shooting at Twilight Zone Bar

Fatal Bar Shooting Leaves One Dead and One Wounded

According to ABC Action News, a shooting occurred at the Twilight Zone Lounge located at 4010 E State Rd 60, Plant City, FL 33567. 

At around 10 p.m. on April 13, 2022, two victims were shot in the parking lot following an argument inside the bar. A deputy responded to the call after hearing the shots from a call nearby. One of the victims was involved in an auto accident and transported to the hospital for treatment. The other victim was found at the site of the shooting and taken to the hospital but died from their injuries.

Who Can Be Liable for a Bar Shooting?

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard is an experienced gun crimes lawyer who represents victims of bar shootings in civil lawsuits in Florida. We recently sat down with Michael to explain when a lounge or bar owner could be held accountable for a shooting. 

"While violent crimes such as shootings can happen everywhere, bars and lounges have a potential for increased violence due to the consumption of alcohol. For this reason, bar owners have a heavier responsibility to provide proper protection for patrons and employees. The bar owner owes a duty of care under the law, which means they must maintain security precautions to decrease the likelihood of preventable violence. Bars that want to secure their property generally choose to install sufficient lighting in the parking lot, security cameras, and by hiring trained security guards. If the security of a bar is found to be neglected, the owner could be held liable for damages."

"Victims, on the other hand, will need to show that the bar owner's negligence allowed the violent incident to occur. Furthermore, if the bar had a history of violence or if the surrounding area had an upsurge in crime, the bar owner would be held responsible for increasing its security. If the bar owner did not do so, an experienced gun crimes lawyer could show that the crime was predictable and that the bar owner failed to take the appropriate security precautions. By filing a lawsuit, victims may be able to seek financial compensation to cover medical expenditures and other losses."

Sources:

ABC Action News