Could Better Security Have Saved Hotel Patron’s Life?
05/21/2013 - Riley Allen Law - Link to This Entry
A vacation resort hotel near Sarasota was rocked earlier this month by the shooting death of a patron at point blank range at the hotel’s tiki bar. Now, attorneys are asking if better security by the hotel could have prevented the tragic death
Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in attacks that occur on business premises. In many cases, property owners and businesses may be held liable for robberies, attacks, rape, assaults or homicides if they could have been anticipated or prevented with more adequate security.
Negligent security can result in injury or death at hotels, restaurants, bars, apartment complexes, shopping centers, school campuses or at work. In many cases, the operators put profits and cost cutting before the safety of patrons.
This latest shooting happened at Bentley's Resort Hotel in Osprey, Florida, south of Sarasota.
According to police reports, the victim, 48 year-old Philippe Nahon, was ordering drinks for he and some friends at the hotel Tiki Bar when he was shot at point blank range in the head by 23 year-old Michael Rice of South Carolina.
Hotel video surveillance shows Rice holding a semi-automatic pistol waist high as he stood beside Nahon at the Tiki bar near the hotel pool. After a bartender called 911, police arrested Rice and found an array of weapons and ammunition in his car.
Reports also indicate that Rice became angry at Nahon after the two shared a joke, and instructed him to sit down at the bar, which Nahon refused. A witness then saw Rice raise his weapon to Nahons head and fire.
There is no word yet on whether the hotel had experienced other acts of violence or threats on its premises in the past, or whether they took the necessary steps to protect patrons. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
If you or a family member were injured in an attack on the premises of a Florida hotel, theme park or business, and would like more information about your rights for a claim for negligent security, contact the firm of Riley Allen Law today.
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