Joseph Bryan Fatally Injured by Stray Bullet After Shooting Outside a Huntington, WV Bar. (WOWKtv.com)
Could the shooting outside a Huntington bar have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire rang out outside a Huntington, WV bar early Friday morning, Nov 4, 2022, leaving one innocent man dead.
As reported by WVmetroNews.com, “[t]he shooting was reported at around 3 a.m. in the 1600 block of Fourth Avenue…[p]olice said an argument occurred at [a bar] which led to shots being fired at…a neighboring business.” According to the report, “[i]t’s the third shooting near [the bar] this year. The bar’s liquor license was suspended in March due to back-to-back shootings. The state ABCA took a similar step Friday.”
Herald-Dispatch.com is reporting “Joseph Bryan, 28, was working at [the neighboring business] early Friday morning when he was struck by a stray bullet….”
WSAZ.com is reporting that “Joseph Bryan, died Sunday” as a result of the shooting. The news outlet reports a representative of the bar where the argument originated stated that “obviously we are slightly responsible for everything that happens, even if it is outside the premises.”
The investigation is ongoing.
IS JUSTICE AVAILABLE? OUR LEGAL TAKE
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The level of security provided at the subject property is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this shooting may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Were any security personnel at the property?
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on the property?
- Were security measures added after any prior incidents?
- What protocol was in place to deter crime and protect the victims at the time of the shooting?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious persons or suspicious activity on the property prior to the shooting?
- Have authorities been to the property on prior occasions?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on and around the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the property owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its visitors and those around the premises, the family of Joseph Bryan may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased investigation will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the family of Joseph Bryan retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS? OVER $125 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $125 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including:
- A $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a victim of gun violence at an apartment complex.
- Settlement in excess of $10 million dollars for a family who lost a loved one to gun violence at a commercial property.
We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888-842-1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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