In the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg, FL, a violent episode unfolded at the Tru by Hilton's parking structure on May 1. The city's law enforcement reported that a pair, a hotel valet in his mid-twenties and a woman in her late twenties, fell victim to gunfire. The accused, Bryton Dunbar, has since been apprehended and is facing triple charges of attempted murder, as informed by the St. Petersburg Police Department.
Dunbar, a 31-year-old male, is alleged to have opened fire on three individuals in the parking complex of Tru by Hilton, situated at 1650 Central Ave., as per law enforcement. Court documents from Pinellas County indicate that Dunbar was also slapped with a charge related to his attempt to evade law enforcement officers.
Both victims, an employee of the hotel and a local woman, were reportedly wounded by Dunbar, but thankfully, the injuries they sustained were not life-threatening. The two are currently in the process of recovery. Remarkably, the third individual targeted in this incident walked away unscathed.
The local woman, who had been staying at the hotel, was specifically targeted, as well as one other individual. The local news outlet, the Tampa Bay Times, reported this fact on the day of the incident. Police investigations further suggest that this was not a random act of violence. Dunbar was apparently familiar with at least two of the individuals he targeted.
Can Shooting Victims Bring a Lawsuit in Florida for Their Injuries?
Negligent security falls under the larger umbrella of premises liability law. The basic premise is that property owners, including commercial establishments such as hotels, have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their patrons. If the owner is found to have neglected this duty, they may be held legally responsible for any harm that befalls their guests as a result.
In a scenario where a shooting occurs at a hotel in Florida, for instance, the hotel could potentially be held liable if they did not take reasonable measures to prevent such an incident. Factors that could contribute to a negligent security claim might include poor lighting, lack of security personnel, faulty security equipment, or failure to respond adequately to known threats or previous incidents of violence.
After being involved in a shooting incident in Florida, there are a few critical steps you should take to preserve your legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure that you receive prompt medical care for your injuries. This not only addresses your health needs but also creates a medical record, which can be critical evidence in your case.
- Report the Incident: Report the shooting to the local law enforcement agencies immediately. The police report will serve as an official record of the incident, crucial in any subsequent legal action.
- Document Everything: Document all details of the incident, your injuries, and any losses you've incurred. This can include photos of the scene, medical bills, and personal accounts of the incident.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Engage a lawyer specializing in personal injury or negligent security cases as soon as possible. They can guide you through the complexities of your case, help collect evidence, and represent your interests in legal proceedings.
By understanding the nuances of negligent security law in Florida and taking immediate action after a shooting, victims can better position themselves to protect their legal rights and seek the compensation they may be entitled to.
Do You Need a Negligent Security Attorney?
If you’ve been the victim of a violent criminal attack on the property of a business, like a hotel, motel, apartment complex, restaurant, gas station, convenience store, or bar, you should speak with an experienced Florida negligent security lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. You can contact us online or you can call our downtown Orlando, Florida law office at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your consultation.
If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to call us if you need us.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is meant to be a guarantee of results. Past case results do not guarantee future case results. Each case is unique. The information in this article has been gathered from various sources on Google. Thus, we cannot guarantee there are no inaccuracies herein. We can and will correct or remove this post upon request. You can email us at [email protected]. Finally, the information contained in this article is not meant to be legal advice in any way. If you have legal questions, you should contact an attorney.
