The Legal Chronicle
Nichole Olsen, known as Nikkie Martinez, Fatally Injured in Salt Lake City, UT Parking Lot Shooting. (GephardtDaily.com)
Could the shooting at a Salt Lake City parking lot 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 in a Salt Lake City, UT parking lot early Sunday morning, Nov 20, 2022, leaving one woman dead.
As reported by ABC4.com, “SLCPD say they got a call early Sunday morning about someone being shot near a nightclub in the area of 300 South and West Temple.”
According to the report, “[o]fficers responded to the scene. However, police say someone — possibly a friend of the victim — put [the victim] in a car and drove her to the University of Utah Hospital where she died shortly after as a result of her injuries.” The news outlet is reporting that the victim has been identified by family members as “Nichole Olsen, more affectionately known as Nikkie Martinez.” KSLTV.com also reports that “[t]he victim was identified…as Nichole Olsen.”
KUTV.com is reporting that “[w]itnesses at the scene told police that…the suspect and another person fled in a dark-colored BMW. ”
The shooting remains under investigation.
Is Justice Available? Our Legal Take
FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.
Parking lot 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?
- Was the property owner or manager aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
- Was there 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 and managers 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 Nicole Olsen 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 and 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 Nicole Olsen 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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