When you go out to a nightclub, you will likely encounter a bouncer who is there to let certain people in and keep others away. It’s their job to ensure you and the other patrons stay safe and have a good experience.
But what happens if a bouncer or security guard gets too aggressive? They might push you or start a fight with you if they think you’re not following the rules. It’s their job to be on alert, and you could trigger them unintentionally. If they are big in stature, then you could get seriously injured if they lay their hands on you.
Another time you may have had an issue with a security guard is if you went to a store. Maybe you stood in line for hours during Black Friday to get the latest gaming system for your kid and once you were in the store, another customer became physically aggressive with you. The security guard was there, but they just stood by and let the other person hurt you.
In both scenarios, you could have a legitimate case against a security guard or bouncer and you could get a settlement to pay for your injuries. To ensure you have a chance at getting the proper compensation, however, you’ll need to reach out to a personal injury attorney for help.
Bringing a Claim Against a Security Guard
It can be difficult to sue a security guard. If you were threatening the security guard or bouncer in any way or the security guard perceived that there was a threat, then they could say they were acting out of self-defense and you may not have a case. However, if you didn’t provoke the security guard or another attacker, then you may be able to prove that they are indeed responsible for either hurting you or failing to protect you.
Since the security guard was at work during the time of the incident, it makes more sense to name their employer and the landowner of the business in the lawsuit. You could bring about a personal injury claim and cite negligence, which means that the security guard had a duty to protect you, they breached that duty and because of this, you got injured.
Your claim will need to be reasonable in order to succeed. For instance, let’s say you drank too much one night at the bar and started shouting at the other patrons. When the bouncer approached you, you refused to leave and kept carrying on. The bouncer then had no choice but to pick you up and take you outside to get you out of there. If you weren’t harmed and you got out of the bar safely, then you wouldn’t have a case.
But let’s say that when the bouncer picked you up, he shoved you outside and into a group full of other patrons. You subsequently fell on your face and got injured. Then, the bouncer could potentially be held responsible for your injury.
You really won’t know whether or not the security guard or bouncer is liable until you get in touch with a personal injury attorney. They will be able to let you know if you have a legitimate case on your hands.
What to Do if a Security Guard is Negligent
As soon as a security guard injures you - or they witness an attack on you at a place of business and fail to help - call 911. You should file a police report and let the cops know what happened. Take photos of the scene as well as your injuries and your personal belongings that may have gotten damaged.
If there are any witnesses around, write down what they say about what happened and get their contact information in case you need to follow up later. You should also note whether or not there are security cameras at the business so that you can access the footage.
If the security guard or the owner of the business offers you compensation right on the spot, do not accept it. For one, you may not be able to claim compensation later on if you take it. Also, they are not going to give you enough money to cover your medical bills.
Even if it seems like you aren’t injured too badly, injuries could always get worse. Back pain, for instance, can get better and then worse again. You may require several months’ worth of treatment, which could result in thousands of dollars in medical bills. You don’t know how many specialists you’re going to have to see, what kind of medication you’ll need or how much time you’ll be required to take off work in order to properly recover.
Instead of accepting the money, immediately go to a hospital to get evaluated. Get X-rays taken and ask the doctor if they recommend any other tests, such as an MRI. Take medications your doctor prescribes you and go to as many appointments as you need in order to get better.
As soon as you get out of the hospital and you’ve regained your strength, get in contact with a negligent security injury attorney. Provide them details about what happened and hand over any information such as witness statements, photographs and medical and police records.
Keep in mind that your attorney will only charge you a commission at the end when they reach a settlement. If they cannot reach a settlement, you won’t have to pay anything.
When searching for a personal injury attorney for your negligence case, look for one with experience working on cases involving security guards and bouncers. Ask the attorney how much they were able to recover for their clients in the past and how they can help you.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Georgia
If a security guard or bouncer was neglectful, then now is the time to file a claim and get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other costs. Find out how a personal injury attorney can help you by contacting the Atlanta personal injury lawyer Winston Briggs now.