Early Saturday morning a 27 year-old man was beaten and stabbed outside a Hollywood nightclub, leaving the victim in critical condition. According to a KTLA news report, the fight occurred at about 1:30 a.m. outside the Playhouse Hollywood nightclub on Hollywood Boulevard near Wilcox Avenue. A graphic YouTube video has surfaced showing the melee in the middle of the street.
The victim was knocked to the he ground and beaten until he was unconscious. Citing police sources, KTLA has reported the man was also stabbed during the incident. A 19 year-old suspect has been arrested and reportedly charged with attempted murder.
See the KTLA story and video HERE.
Under California law, a business owner (such as those who own Playhouse Hollywood) has a duty to ensure that their patrons are provided a reasonably safe environment when coming onto the property. In general, one in control of property has a duty to use reasonable care to protect guests from another person's harmful conduct on their property if the owner can reasonably anticipate such conduct. When large crowds form in or outside a business, and those in the crowd are known to have been drinking, a business owner is generally required to provide at least some sort of protection for their patrons. Perhaps more importantly, when a business owner is aware fights are braking out on or just outside their property (involving their patrons) they are generally responsible for taking reasonable, prompt steps to intervene. A failure to fulfill such a duty is negligence and may result in liability being found against the business for any resulting harm.
Compensation for the victims of criminal assaults, occurring inside or just outside a business, should be an important concern for all Californians. When a business patron is beaten because protective measures were not taken by a business owner, the business should be held accountable and compensation paid to the victim or the victim's family. An Orange County premises liability attorney with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a family member been a victim of an assault occurring on or near a business establishment?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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