The Legal Chronicle
Sonya Brown, an Innocent Bystander, Fatally Injured in Wichita, KS Nightclub Shooting. (KAKE.com)
Did negligent security contribute to this shooting death 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 erupted early Sunday morning, December 1, 2019 at a Wichita, Kansas nightclub leaving a young teen adult girl dead.
As reported by KAKE.com, “[o]fficers responded at around 3 a.m. Sunday to a shooting at [a] Club south of Central and West Street.”
According to the report, “[i]nvestigators determined there was a disturbance between two ‘male patrons’ at the club when a suspect fired multiple shots, striking [the victim] who was not the shooter’s intended target.”
Per the report, “19-year-old Sonya Brown died of her injuries at a local hospital Sunday night.”
Kansas.com is reporting, “[a suspect] has been booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder in the shooting….”
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?
- What measures did the club take to deescalate the disturbance and safely remove the parties from 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 Sonya Brown 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 Sonya Brown 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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