Could the tragic loss of Cyril Smith have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victims and their families?
Local News
Gunfire erupted at a Lauderhill, Florida nightclub early Sunday morning, February 24, 2019, claiming the life of one and injuring others. According to Local10.com, “around 2:30 a.m. officers responded to a report of a shooting at the Club 54 strip club in the 3100 block of West Broward Boulevard and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound inside.” The victim was transported to “Broward Health Medical Center, where he died of his injuries,” according to the news report. “Several people suffered minor injuries trying to run away from the shooting,” according to Local10.com. MiamiHerald.com is reporting “[p]olice didn’t identify the man, but Instagram and Facebook posts by family and friends identified the man shot at Club 54 as 25-year-old Cyril Smith, a Plantation High graduate from Fort Lauderdale.”
A witness inside the establishment described the scene to NBCMiami.com, “Imagine everybody just on you, like trying to get out of one club, out of one door…[i]t was crazy.” A suspect has apparently yet to be identified.
Our Legal Take
Nightclub 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.
- Have there been prior incidents of violence on or near property?
- Does the nightclub screen for violent weapons at the entry?
- Are exit doors clearly marked?
- What nightclub security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect Mr. Smith and others at the time of 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 nightclub owners failed to provide adequate security to protect those on the premises, Mr. Smith’s family may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims for their loss. Additionally, any other victims of the shooting may pursue claims for their 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 Mr. Smith’s family retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim.
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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.
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