The Legal Chronicle
Garyontae Shephard, Dedrick Traylor Fatally Injured in Lubbock, TX Nightclub Shooting. (EverythingLubbock.com)
Did negligent security contribute to these shooting deaths and are justice and compensation available to the victims Families? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
Gunfire erupted early Wednesday morning, January 1, 2020 at a Lubbock, Texas nightclub leaving a young man and a teen dead.
As reported by EverythingLubbock.com, “[a]t approximately 1:52 a.m. on New Year’s Day, officers responded to a report of shots fired at Level Nightclub, 1928 Buddy Holly Ave.”
According to the report, “[u]pon arrival, officers located the first victim, Garyontae Shephard, 17, in the street in front of the nightclub and Dedrick Traylor, 24, inside the nightclub. Both victims had suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to UMC by EMS where they later died.”
KWTX.com is reporting, “[p]olice say Traylor and the suspect had a physical altercation in the club when the suspect shot him, while Shephard was shot while running from the scene.”
The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
Nightclub 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 there been prior incidents of violence on or near the property?
- What security measures were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?
- Was the management aware of any suspicious activity or suspicious persons on property prior to the shooting?
- Does the club have a protocol for checking guests for deadly weapons prior to entering into the establishment?
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 Garyontae Shephard and Dedrick Traylor 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 Garyontae Shephard and Dedrick Traylor retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 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 $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.
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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