Authorities are actively pursuing a suspect following a fatal shooting outside a Miami Gardens gas station. The shooting occurred on Tuesday night, November 7, 2023, at around 11:45 p.m. at the Raceway gas station located in the 700 block of Northwest 183rd Street.
When police arrived at the scene, they found a male, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, lying on the ground. Emergency services from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue declared the victim deceased at the location.
After the incident, investigators observed that the gas station was surrounded by multiple police units. In addition to the police, there was apparently a body covered with a yellow tarp outside the front door of the Raceway gas station.
Authorities identified the victim as 32-year-old Ahmed Ali. A store clerk reportedly stated that Ali was visiting a friend, who works as a manager at the gas station. Then, while he was exiting the building, he was shot.
Details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including whether the act was targeted or random, are not clear at this time. The suspect allegedly fled the scene before police officers arrived.
Pursuing a Negligent Security Claim in Florida After Getting Shot at a Gas Station
When a person gets shot at a gas station, they’re immediately going to be dealing with a lot more than just their injuries. Namely, they’re going to have medical bills and lost wages to deal with.
For example, the victim will inevitably have thousands of dollars in medical bills and emergency medical treatment to cover treatment for their gunshot wounds. Additionally, the victim may need time off from work to recover from their injuries. Accordingly, these types of incidents can put a huge financial strain on a person and their family.
In the same way, if a person gets killed at a gas station, that person’s family is going to have to figure out how to pay for medical treatment and funeral costs. Also, if they were dependent on the victim for support, they can find themselves in a horrible situation that extends far beyond never being able to see their loved one again.
Florida law says that gas station owners need to take steps to minimize the risk of harm to guests and patrons. If a gas station owner fails to implement proper security measures and someone gets shot, the gas station owner may be liable for failing to take proper actions to secure the property. So, let’s talk more about gas station negligent security cases in Florida.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims in Florida
Negligent security is a subset of premises liability law in Florida. Property owners, including gas station operators, have a duty to offer a reasonable level of security. When they neglect this duty, and someone is injured as a result—such as getting shot—the victim can pursue a claim for damages.
Taking Immediate Action After a Gas Station Shooting
Act promptly. Your first step is to seek medical attention, not only for your well-being but also to document your injuries. Then, consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney who specializes in negligent security claims. An experienced lawyer will navigate the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Gathering Evidence in the Aftermath
Evidence is the cornerstone of your claim. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and police reports are pivotal. A negligent security attorney will meticulously gather and preserve this evidence to build a compelling case on your behalf.
Proving the Case
Success hinges on proving that the property owner's negligence allowed the shooting to occur. This means showing that the owner was aware—or should have been aware—of the risk of violence and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it, such as adequate lighting, security personnel, or surveillance systems.
Calculating Damages
Your claim can cover things like medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your attorney will work with you to quantify these damages, ensuring that the compensation you seek reflects the true cost of your ordeal.
Navigating the Legal Process and Negligent Security Claims
Filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim involves intricate legal procedures and deadlines. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years, but specifics can vary. Your attorney is your guide, ensuring no detail is overlooked and every deadline is met.
