$688,000 Verdict after Bouncers Fail to Prevent Attack Workplace Negligence.

Article published by Counsel Financial
$688,000 Verdict after Bouncers Fail to Prevent Attack
Workplace Negligence.  

On the evening of October 4, 2009, 21-year-old Plaintiff, Jorge Lopez, was escorted from the back door of Club Space nightclub in Miami, FL following an altercation with three other patrons inside the club. Shortly thereafter, those three other patrons, who had been escorted out the front door of the club, saw and attacked Lopez, injuring his jaw, head and back. Lopez’s jaw was fractured, requiring open reduction internal fixation surgery.

Lopez filed suit against the nightclub, alleging that it provided negligent security and failed to train and supervise its bouncers. At trial, counsel for Plaintiff argued that bouncers were supposed to separate and monitor patrons who had been removed from the club to prevent them from continuing altercations outside.

Video surveillance showed the club’s bouncers pushing Lopez out the back door, and immediately thereafter, one of the three other patrons running up to Lopez and punching him. The video also showed the bouncers watching and laughing while the three men beat Lopez.

Counsel for Defendant denied that the bouncers were negligent and that the nightclub was responsible for Plaintiff’s injuries. Defense counsel argued that its bouncers followed proper procedures in escorting Lopez from the club and they did not foresee that the trio would attack him once outside.

The jury returned a verdict for Lopez in the amount of $688,472, which included $38,472 for past medical costs, $210,000 for past pain and suffering and $440,000 for future pain and suffering.
VERDICT: $688,472
COURT: Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, 11th, FL