Most people assume when they visit a public place that they will be kept safe from harm. Some establishments, such as night clubs, employ security to in part keep its patrons safe. Other types of clubs, such as strip clubs, also employ these types of bouncers.
Despite the purpose behind the presence of these individuals being to keep people safe, there are of course times, when things happen and patrons are injured. In some cases, the very people charged with keeping the peace are the ones responsible for the injury.
A man employed by Club Lexx as a security guard is being held in a Miami-Dade County jail cell for his alleged role in the death of one man, and wounding of another. He was reportedly working at the club earlier this month and encountered two men who were parked in a vehicle near the building in which the club was housed. Claiming he felt threatened, the bouncer reportedly shot both men.
A 29-year-old man died after being shot 11 times. The man who was with him, a 31-year-old, survived four gunshots. He is currently at Jackson Memorial Hospital. At last report, his condition was listed as critical.
It is unclear what, if anything, the men did to make the security guard feel as though he was being threatened.
Though the security guard is already facing criminal charges, he could find himself facing civil lawsuits as well. The injured man could, among other things, seek compensation for medical expenses, his injuries and pain and suffering. The family of the man who died may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In addition, under premises liability law, the owner of the property could be sued as well. When certain steps are not taken that could have prevented assaults and like crimes, the property owner can be held financially liable for the injuries and deaths that result. Whether this will happen, remains to be seen.
Source: The Miami Herald, “No bond for security guard in strip-club shooting,” Alejandro Bolívar, June 11, 2012