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South Carolina Bar & Nightclub Injuries Lawyer
Holding businesses accountable for assaults and injuries to patrons
Negligent security is a type of premises liability that arises when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. This can include crimes such as assault, robbery, or sexual assault. In the context of bars and nightclubs, negligent security can contribute to injuries and incidents of violence. When patrons visit bars and nightclubs, they have a reasonable expectation of safety.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina negligent security attorneys hold property owners responsible when you suffer harm or injuries in a bar or nightclub. Our experienced lawyers have secured millions in personal injury settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. We hold all liable parties responsible when their failures result in harm to their customers, invitees, and guests.
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- What is negligent security?
- What are common crimes committed in bars and nightclubs?
- Who is liable for my South Carolina bar or nightclub injuries?
- Do you have a negligent security attorney near me?
What is negligent security?
Negligent security refers to the situation when a property or premises owner fails to provide reasonable security measures to protect individuals on their property from foreseeable harm. When the property owner doesn’t take the appropriate steps to address these security risks, it can be considered negligence.
Negligent security cases often arise in various settings such as residential buildings, businesses, retail stores, parking lots, entertainment venues, or public spaces. Examples of negligent security can include:
- Inadequate lighting
- Faulty or non-existent security systems
- Lack of proper locks or barriers
- Insufficient or poorly trained security personnel
- Failure to respond to known risks
In cases of negligent security, individuals who suffer harm or losses may be able to pursue legal action against the property owner or occupier. Successful claims typically require establishing that the property owner had a duty of care, breached that duty by not providing adequate security, and that the breach directly caused the harm or losses suffered.
What are common crimes committed in or near bars and nightclubs?
Bars and nightclubs are often seen as places where people can let loose and have fun, but they can also be dangerous places. Here are some of the most common crimes committed in bars and nightclubs:
- Assault. Assault is any unwanted or unlawful physical contact with another person. This can include everything from pushing and shoving to punching and kicking. Assault can also be verbal, such as making threats or using abusive language.
- Robbery. Robbery is the theft of property from another person by force or threat of force. This can happen in the bar itself, in the parking lot, or even on the way home from the bar.
- Sexual assault. Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that is forced or unwanted. This can include everything from groping to rape.
- Drunk driving. Drunk driving is a serious crime that can have deadly consequences. Bars and nightclubs should have a policy of refusing service to intoxicated patrons and should remove intoxicated patrons from the premises if they become disruptive.
- Public intoxication. Public intoxication is the act of being drunk in public. This can be a nuisance to other patrons and can also lead to other crimes, such as assault or disorderly conduct.
- Drug dealing. Drug dealing is often associated with bars and nightclubs. Bars and nightclubs should take steps to prevent drug dealing on their premises, such as having security guards on duty and checking patrons for drugs.
If you have been the victim of a crime in a bar or nightclub, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also report the crime to the police. The police will investigate the crime and, if they believe that a crime has been committed, they will file charges against the offender.
You may also be eligible for compensation for your injuries. You can file a civil lawsuit against the bar or nightclub for negligence. Our experienced premises liability lawyers in South Carolina can help you determine whether you have a case and can represent you in court.
Who is liable for my South Carolina bar or nightclub injuries?
Liability for injuries suffered at a bar or nightclub depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. However, following are some parties who can potentially be held liable:
- Bar or nightclub owner. The owner of the bar or nightclub may be held liable if their negligence or failure to provide reasonable security measures contributed to your injuries. This can include issues like inadequate lighting, lack of surveillance systems, insufficient security personnel, or failure to address known risks.
- Property manager or operator. If the bar or nightclub is managed or operated by a separate entity or individual, they may share liability for the injuries. If they have assumed responsibility for security through a contract or agreement, their failure to fulfill those obligations may be grounds for liability.
- Security company. If the bar or nightclub has contracted with a security company to provide security services, the security company may be held liable if their negligence contributed to your injuries.
- Third parties. Depending on the circumstances, third parties may also be held liable. For example, if an intoxicated patron causes harm to others, the individual responsible for serving them alcohol excessively or in violation of liquor laws may share liability.
To determine the parties that may be held liable for your injuries sustained at a bar or nightclub, it is advisable to consult with our South Carolina personal injury attorneys, who can evaluate your case and provide appropriate legal guidance based on the specific circumstances.
Do you have a negligent security attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
South Carolina negligent security attorneys working for you
Were you assaulted in a bar or nightclub? The South Carolina attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC can help. We have years of experience helping people just like you in negligent security cases and are here to help you, too. Call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, proudly serves people throughout South Carolina.