The Legal Herald

Richard Bernal Loses Life in Chula Vista, CA Bar Parking Lot Shooting; One Teen Injured. (Stock Photo: MurrayLegal.com)

Could the shooting outside a Chula Vista bar have been prevented and are justice and compensation available to the victim’s family and injured victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.

Local News

Gunfire erupted outside a Chula Vista, California bar early Saturday morning, November 13, 2021, leaving one man dead and a teen injured.

As reported by CBS8.com, “The incident began at 2 a.m. Saturday when people called 911 to report a fight inside [a] Bar at 656 E St…[t]he fight moved outside the bar and someone pulled out a gun and began firing.”

10News.com is reporting, “[w]hen officers arrived, they found two gunshot victims. Richard Bernal, 41, and a 17-year-old male were treated by officers and paramedics at the scene and rushed to a hospital.”

According to the report, “[Richard] Bernal was later pronounced dead and the juvenile was reported in stable condition.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Our Legal Take

FORMER CLIENT: I had lawyers calling me, and friends telling me who I should hire…I trusted in The Murray Law Firm and I’m glad I did.

Bar and parking lot 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 prior incidents of violence been reported on or near the property? 
• Was the property owner or management aware of any suspicious activity prior to the shooting?
• What security measures, such as bright lighting, visible surveillance cameras, and security personnel, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim at the time of the shooting?

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 Richard Bernal may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their loss. In addition, any injured victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for their injuries.

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 Richard Bernal and any injured victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.

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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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