Premises Liability Suit Filed Against Club Following Shooting

When a business owner in Pennsylvania fails to keep his or her property secure, someone at the establishment may end up getting hurt or even killed. In this situation, that business owner can be held liable. One woman in another state recently filed a premises liability suit against a club on behalf of her son, who died at the club after being shot in the head during a show.

According to the woman’s complaint, a show was being held at the club and drew a couple of rival rap groups. She claimed that the establishment placed profits over safety, knowing that the drawing of such a big crowd could eventually lead to a powder-keg situation. On the night of the show, a fight erupted, with the brawling reportedly spilling into the parking lot.

The woman claimed that her son, who aspired to be an emcee, jumped into the passenger seat of a car during the show. That is when he allegedly sustained a gunshot to the head as rival groups engaged in shooting. Her son passed away three days later. The deceased victim’s mother has blamed the business for his death and is seeking over a million dollars in punitive damages stemming from premises liability, fraudulent misrepresentation and gross negligence.

When companies in Pennsylvania do not provide safe premises or adequate security, people who are hurt have the right to file premises liability claims against them, pursuing damages. Likewise, the surviving loved ones of those who die due to the companies’ carelessness have the right to file wrongful death claims. Claims for damages will be determined only if liability is established to the civil court’s satisfaction. In addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages may be awarded in cases of egregious fault.