A Florida jury has awarded $5 million to a patron who was shot after he exited a nightclub.
Facts and Allegations
After exiting The Barn, a nightclub in Sanford, Florida, Dezje Williams, was shot multiple times. A suspect was arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Mr. Williams sued Silver Saddle Entertainment Inc., which operated the nightclub; JTV Investments LLC, the owner of the premises; and Armor Bearer Security & Protection LLC, the company that contracted to provide security at the club, . Mr. Williams claimed that he was shot in an overflow parking area for patrons of The Barn and that the shooting was the result of negligent security on the premises.
Result
The jury determined that Silver Saddle was 75 percent liable for the shooting and that Armor Bearer was 25 percent liable. JTV was found to be not liable.
The jury found that Mr. Williams' damages totaled $5 million.
The case is Williams v. JTV Investments, LLC, No. 2017CA002297 (Fla. Circ. Ct. Seminole Co. Nov. 15, 2019). Attorneys involved include: David H. Charlip; Charlip Law Group, L.C.; for Dezje Williams; Ortavia Simon; Simon Law Group, P.A.; for Dezje Williams; Scott A. Tacktill; The Unger Law Group, P.L.; Orlando, FL for JTV Investments LLC , Silver Saddle Entertainment Inc.; Isadore O. Hyde Jr.; Law Office of Isadore Hyde; Lake Mary, FL for Armor Bearer Security & Protection LLC.
Insurance Coverage Law Center Comment
This report is based on information that was provided by plaintiff's counsel. Additional information was gleaned from court documents. Defense counsel did not respond to the reporter's phone calls.
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Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].