The Legal Chronicle
(WALB)
Gunfire erupted outside a Bartlett Taco Bell July 3, tragically claiming the life of a 17-year-old boy, according to WALB News. Days later, WLOX reports, Georgetown police discovered a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at a Kentucky Fried Chicken. On Friday, the AJC reports, a mother-of-three was killed in an attempted carjacking outside an Atlanta Burger King. These senseless tragedies raise grave questions over security measures at late-night fast food restaurants.
Late night hours, vulnerable patrons and proximity to major roadways frequently make fast food restaurants a target for criminals. As such, restaurant owners need to take adequate security precautions to protect their patrons.
- Place an off-duty officer or security personnel in the parking lot.
- Ensure parking lots are well-lit with clear sight-lines to reduce potential hiding places.
- Provide adequate staffing and violence prevention training. Implement employee safety procedures.
- Implement visible surveillance cameras at all entrances, registers and parking areas.
Victims of Fast Food Restaurant Shootings: Know Your Rights
Restaurant patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a restaurant owner have knowledge of prior criminal activity on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a restaurant owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
Can I Afford an Attorney?
Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.