The Legal Chronicle
Yakima Valley Mall Shooting in Union Gap, WA Fatally Injures Innocent Bystander. (KIMAtv.com)
Could the shooting death at a Union Gap mall 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
A man was killed in a shooting at a Union Gap, Washington mall late Sunday afternoon, August 22, 2021.
As reported by Yaytrinews.com, “the incident began Sunday afternoon with two groups of rival gang members having a dispute inside the mall; the confrontation escalated and moved outside, near the southwest entrance.” moments later, “one group got into a vehicle and a rival gang member from the remaining group pulled out a handgun and opened fire at the car.”
KIMAtv.com is reporting, “[u]pon arrival, officers found an adult male outside the southwest entrance who had been shot. Lifesaving efforts were attempted, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.”
According to the report, “medics arrived to give aid to the man who was shot, saying it appears he was uninvolved in the argument. The victim was not a gang member and not involved in the earlier altercation.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Our Legal Take
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Mall patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises they are visiting. The level of security provided at the 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, and, if so, were any security measures added after any prior incidents?
- Did the mall have adequate security in place at the time of the shooting?
- What security measures, such as visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on 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, the family of the victim 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 inspection of the property 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 the victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
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The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
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