The Legal Chronicle
John Staton Killed in Waldorf, MD Shopping Center Shooting. (WJLA.com)
Could the shooting at a Waldorf shopping center 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
One person was killed in a shooting at a Waldorf, Maryland shopping center Tuesday afternoon, December 10, 2019.
As reported by WTOP.com, “Deputies responded around 3:15 p.m. to [a]…shopping center off St. Charles Parkway” in response to a shooting. WJLA.com is reporting that the “[t]he victim [is] 54-year-old John Staton.”
According to the report, “[Mr.] Staton was shot Tuesday around 3:00 p.m. after an altercation in the parking lot of the shopping center.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Our Legal Take
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Shopping center 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 shopping center 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 John Staton 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 John Staton 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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