In a tragic event that rocked the quiet town of Allendale, a male resident was accused of a deadly shooting at a local Exxon gas station, which resulted in the death of two women. The unfortunate incident unfolded on July 22, 2023.
The victims of this chilling and violent crime, identified as Parris Lee, aged 25, and Herrinda Murdaught, aged 34, were discovered at the address 5009 Allendale-Fairfax Highway. Despite being promptly rushed to a medical facility, both women passed away.
On July 24, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division apprehended and charged 22-year-old Tyquaveon Isaiah Hartzog in connection with the double homicide. Hartzog, now facing two murder charges and two additional firearms-related charges. Both eyewitness testimony and surveillance evidence implicated him in the crime.
According to the arresting authorities, a bystander stated that Hartzog was seated in the back of a white Chevrolet Equinox alongside the victims at the gas station when the incident occurred.
Security camera footage corroborated the witness statement, revealing the horrific sequence of events. The video showed both women stepping out of the vehicle before being shot. One woman collapsed next to the vehicle while the other fell partially inside the car. In the same video, Hartzog was seen exiting the vehicle armed with a firearm.
Hartzog eventually surrendered to the Allendale police, turning in what is believed to be the murder weapon. He claimed that his actions were in self-defense, though officials from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division have not disclosed any additional information to substantiate his claim.
Can You Sue a Gas Station After Suffering Injuries in a Violent Attack in South Carolina?
If you have endured the misfortune of being involved in a violent attack at a gas station in South Carolina, you're likely dealing with emotional trauma and physical injuries. You may have even lost a loved one. The question of who is liable for such an attack might arise, and you may be wondering if it's possible to sue the gas station for compensation.
Well, we’re going to try and help unravel the basics of these negligent security claims for you. Let's delve into this complex subject.
Establishing Liability
Responsibility for a violent attack often falls primarily on the attacker. However, under certain conditions, other parties may also share liability, including the gas station, management, and maybe even the security company charged with securing the premises. The key is to prove that a potential defendant owed a duty of care to the victim and failed in this obligation. This concept applies to a number of businesses, including gas stations and convenience stores.
When Can You Sue a Gas Station?
Gas stations, like other businesses, have a duty to ensure the safety of their customers. If a gas station owner neglects to implement reasonable security measures, and an attack occurs as a result, you might have grounds to bring a claim for negligent security.
For instance, if the gas station is situated in an area known for criminal activity and fails to install adequate lighting or hire security personnel, they may be held liable for any resultant harm. Similarly, if the gas station fails to put up security cameras, or if the existing cameras are run down and not working at the time of the crime, the gas station may be liable.
Necessity of Proving Negligence
To successfully sue a gas station, it's not enough to show that an attack happened on their premises. You must prove that the owner was negligent in providing necessary security. This involves demonstrating that:
- The gas station had a duty of care towards you.
- The gas station breached this duty by failing to take reasonable security measures.
- This failure directly and proximately resulted in your injuries.
Seek Legal Assistance
Liability in violent attack cases can be complicated. Therefore, if you've suffered injuries in an attack at a gas station, you should seek guidance from a South Carolina negligent security attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you navigate the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.
In conclusion, you can indeed sue a gas station following a violent attack under specific circumstances in South Carolina. Consult a legal professional to guide you through this process.