Victim of Horrific Beating by a Security Guard Awarded $58 Million

If you are at a nightclub, sporting event or rock concert, the presence of security guards can be reassuring when those who have been drinking get rowdy and unruly.  However, these feelings of reassurance can be misplaced because sometimes these security guards, who are equipped with batons, pepper spray, Tasers or firearms have only marginal training, supervision and experience.  While similarly equipped law enforcement officers go through rigorous background investigations, psychological testing and polygraph screenings, the screening involved to obtain a firearm permit and security guard license may be far more lax.  Further, businesses that hire security guards may not conduct proper screening before making hiring decisions.

A recent example is provided by a case this month in which a jury awarded Antonio Lopez Chaj $58 million in medical and economic losses because of tragic injuries he suffered during his horrific encounter with a security guard in 2010 according to the Los Angeles Times.  According to the news article, the lawsuit alleged that Chaj was brutally beaten by a security guard in a bar who was believed to have used a metal baton.  The beating was so severe that 25 percent of Chaj’s skull had to be removed which left his skull looking like a pie that had a huge piece removed according to the Times report.  Chaj cannot speak or walk on his own and requires round the clock supportive care.  Chaj was allegedly beaten by the security guard when he intervened in a bar brawl trying to break up the fight.

There are two important lessons that come out of this tragic event.  The first is the risk posed when security companies and those who use security services fail to conduct adequate screening and training of personnel.  The security guard who caused the beating victim’s permanent head injuries was allegedly equipped with the baton despite not having a valid permit.  He also had no license to work as a security guard according to the Times.

The other important lesson that comes out of this tragic incident is the importance of civil lawsuits in pursuing justice in certain situations.  The newspaper article indicated that because the witnesses to the event were family members of the victim, law enforcement felt they did not have sufficient corroboration by independent witnesses to pursue a criminal case against the security guard.  Despite the devastating life-changing beating suffered by this personal injury victim, he would never have received any measure of justice without the option of seeking financial compensation in a civil lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been injured or you have lost a loved one because of negligent security, our experienced Georgia personal injury attorneys  are available to provide effective legal representation to those throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.  No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you.

Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333).  You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.