Negligent Security in Bars and Night Clubs in Miami and Miami Beach

Miami and Miami Beach are known for their night life. Many residents frequent their favorites bars and nightclubs on a weekly basis. Visitors may end a long day of relaxing on the beach or exploring the area at a restaurant, bar, or club. It would hardly be a visit to Miami without a visit to at least one current hot spot in Downtown, on Ocean Drive, or on Washington Avenue. You can begin your night at a small jazz or salsa club, only to end it at a lively club with a DJ. You may even spot a celebrity or two.

When you head out for the night, and you know you will be drinking, dancing, and meeting new people, you expect Miami and Miami Beach bars and clubs to offer security. There should be experienced bouncers at the door and inside. There should be surveillance cameras and other measures taken to ensure you come to no harm. However, our Miami negligent security at bars and night clubs’ attorneys have found that many clubs and bars skimp on security, increasing the risk that you hurt. If you were subject to an assault and battery, a sexual assault, a robbery, or another crime at a Miami or Miami Beach business, do not hesitate to call us at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. at (305) 371-6000.

You may have frequented many bars and clubs without incident over the years, and it is easy to forget that they are a scene with a high risk of violence. They tend to become overly crowded on weekend nights. All types of individuals and personalities are drinking a great deal of alcohol. People can become rude, belligerent, and violent. Many fights and physical assaults occur when someone has had too much to drink and gets out of control.

Bars and night clubs also are places in which predators and criminals go to prey on others. In crowded places, particularly after you have been drinking, it is difficult if not impossible to remain alert to your surroundings. You are vulnerable to individuals who may physically or sexually assault you. You also are vulnerable to people who wish to steal your belongings and may become violent to do so.

Due to these factors and others, it is common for certain crimes to take place in or outside of bars and clubs including:

• Assault and Battery
• Sexual Battery/Rape
• Being Drugged
• Theft
• Robbery
• Motor Vehicle Theft/Carjacking
• Shootings

If you or a loved one were injured in one of these types of crimes, call our attorneys for negligent security in Miami bars and clubs.

Putting one bouncer at the font door does not count as adequate security, and bar and night club owners know that. Business owners of these types of establishments are well aware of the risk of crime, violence, and injuries in and outside of their properties. They know, or should know, that under Florida law, they are a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect their patrons from harm, particularly against foreseeable risks. This means bar and club owners need to take steps to reduce the risk of violent assaults, rape, and theft. What are these steps?

To avoid negligent security at night clubs, owners should hire competent and trained security managers. These managers should hire trained guards who may work at the entrances and exists to the establishment, as well as inside. Many large bars and clubs have security personnel that rotate throughout the environment and keep a close eye on the bathrooms.

Another aspect of security is not over-serving individuals. Bartenders should be trained to know when to cut individuals off. Bartenders and security personnel should also be trained to spot when a patron should be asked to leave due to intoxication or signs of aggression.

If you were injured during your night out, call our Miami Beach bar and night club negligent security lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz P.A. We will thoroughly investigate the business where you were injured to determine the security they provide. If we find evidence that the owner had inadequate security, we can represent you in a premises liability claim against that business.

When you are hurt during the commission of a crime, whether or not you were specifically targeted by the offender, you may think that your only hope of seeing justice is through the criminal courts. However, this is not necessarily true. The criminal justice system is only one side of the coin. When you are hurt during a crime, you may have the right to use the civil court system to obtain justice and the compensation you need to move forward in life.

When you were hurt because a bar or club chose not to provide adequate security, then you may be able to hold that business responsible. With the help of one of our negligent night club and bar security lawyers for Miami and Miami Beach, you can seek compensation for your:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability and/or disfigurement
• Reduced earning capacity
• Loss of normal life

To learn more about your rights and how we can help, call Gerson & Schwartz P.A. at (877) 475-2905 to schedule a free consultation.