When You're Hurt Due to a Property Owner's Negligence

I’m a proud Norwegian. I was shocked and outraged by the events last month.

On the heels of the Norwegian tragedy came news of several other crazy and semi-random acts of public violence.

At the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn, Washington, a man opened fire in an alleged fit of jealousy. The Seattle Times reports several casino-goers were injured simply trying to flee the scene:

The four most seriously injured victims were sent to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. On Monday, two women were in serious condition and another woman was in satisfactory condition, said hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg.

A man who was wounded in the shooting has been discharged from the hospital, Gregg said.

Three others who were sent to Valley Medical Center in Renton were discharged Sunday, said Kim Blakeley, hospital spokeswoman. It was unclear whether they had been hit by gunfire or were injured during the rush to escape from the nightclub.

At least a dozen people were shot during an alleged gang-related shooting at Washington’s Kent Car Show. The Seattle Times reports:

Nine people — seven males and two females ranging from age 14 to 32 — were taken to Harborview Medical Center with injuries to arms, legs, feet and torso.

Four were treated and released and five were admitted overnight, Harborview spokeswoman Susan Gregg said. All were in satisfactory condition.

Four others were shot, at least two of whom went to other hospitals, police said.

The most important thing is that the people who were hurt make full recoveries. The next most important thing is reducing the risk that these events happen again.

The owners of property open to the public and organizers of events have a duty to provide adequate security. There are going to be situations where the owner or organizer doesn’t have any advanced warning that there’s going to be trouble. Random events happen. But where there is advanced warning and the owner knows or should know there’s a possibility of violence, appropriate levels of security should be provided.

This responsibility is highlighted by a recent local case against Denny’s where the jury overturned a $47 million verdict. Denny’s knew that there were problems at the restaurant after closing time at the surrounding bars. Nevertheless, Denny’s failed to provide an adequate level of security and a man was seriously injured.

The events of this weekend at both the Muckleshoot Casino and Kent Car Show bear a striking similarity to what happened at Denny’s. In both cases the property owners and organizers knew or should have known that there was the distinct possibility of violence. Because they failed to provide adequate security they are liable to the people who got hurt and the families of those who were killed.

We have handled a lot of negligence security cases. If you have any questions about a potential negligent security claim, please call or email me.