The Legal Chronicle
(Tampa Bay Tribune)
Did a fatal security lapse contribute to this tragic St. Petersburg nightclub shooting?
Local News
An argument reportedly escalated into gunfire at The Sugar Room in St. Petersburg Monday, April 2, 2018, claiming the life 33-year-old Jermaine Long and leaving another victim injured.
According to ABC News, the shooting occurred “in the parking lot of The Sugar Room” following “an altercation inside the club,” shortly after 1:30 a.m. Tragically, Mr. Long succumbed to fatal injuries.
A Tampa Bay Tribune report reveals “officers have been dispatched 21 times to the business at 1239 Fourth St. S. since the start of 2018 to investigate complaints such as illegal parking, noise, domestic battery, criminal mischief and large crowds.” The media investigation further alleges “the building isn’t zoned to operate as a bar or nightclub.”
Did negligent security contribute to this senseless loss of life? We represent individuals and families who have suffered a tragic loss or injury as a consequence of negligent property security. Read Our Legal Take below to find out if the family of Jermaine Long may have a legal avenue for justice and claims for substantial compensation in Florida, or call now for a free consultation with our legal team: 888.842.1616.
Our Legal Take
Nightclub and parking lot patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided on the property and whether this tragedy may have been prevented.
- What additional security measures, such as weapons screenings, bright parking lot lighting, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were implemented by the nightclub owner following media reports of prior criminal activity?
- Were any efforts made to safely and separately remove those involved in the initial altercation from the premises prior to the shooting?
Generally, property owners are required to protect all those legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the property owner or management failed to provide adequate security to protect those on its premises, the family of Jermaine Long may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their loss. Additionally, the other victim of this shooting may pursue legal claims for his injuries.
Based upon its prior successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed. Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Property Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and recently obtained 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.
