Law enforcement officials in Orange County, Florida responded to a shooting incident late on the evening of Monday, November 6, 2023. The event unfolded at a Chevron station located at 6321 N. Orange Blossom Trail, close to Mount Dora's southern boundary.
The scene of the incident was brutal, and there was apparently blood-soaked clothing near an Audi SUV parked close to the gas station's fuel pumps when folks arrived. As a result of the shooting, 31-year-old Terrance Jamal Mars tragically lost his life. Although he received prompt medical attention, Mars was later declared deceased at the hospital.
There are currently no details available as to where the shooting actually occurred or whether it even occurred on the premises of the gas station.
Negligent Security Lawsuits After Gas Station Shootings
In the aftermath of a gas station shooting, victims and their families often face not only emotional turmoil, but also legal complexities associated with pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The basis of these types of situations, where a person suffers a criminal attack on the property of a business, is negligent security. A negligent security case hinges on the premise that the gas station, as a business, failed to provide adequate security measures to prevent shootings, stabbings, assaults, or other violent crimes.
Understanding the Basis of a Negligent Security Lawsuit
The core argument in a negligent security lawsuit is straightforward: The property owner or manager had a duty to ensure a safe environment for customers and employees. This duty includes implementing reasonable security measures to deter criminal activities such as shootings, stabbings, or other attacks. If a shooting occurs due to a breach of this duty, the victims may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Key Elements to Consider
There are several key elements to consider in a negligent security case. Below are the big three:
- Foreseeability: Was there a reasonable expectation that a shooting could occur? Prior incidents of violence or crime in the area can indicate foreseeability.
- Adequacy of Security Measures: Were there sufficient security measures in place? This can include lighting, surveillance cameras, security personnel, and other deterrents.
- Link Between Security Lapse and the Incident: Establishing a direct connection between the lack of security and the occurrence of the shooting is crucial.
Taking Legal Action
Victims of gas station shootings should consult with a personal injury attorney that handles negligent security cases. Your lawyer can work with you and assess the merits of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you obtain compensation for your injuries, trauma, and other losses.
