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When Bouncers Attack

Posted on May 16, 2022

A bouncer who recently assaulted a patron outside a Philadelphia bar has been charged with third-degree murder. The victim, 41-year-old Eric Pope, was punched by the bouncer after being escorted from the bar for being intoxicated; the victim fell to the ground, hit his head, and died.

This is serious issue, both here and around the country. According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, some say it is because bouncers rarely have formal training and are quick to use physical force. In Philadelphia, incidents involving bouncers’ brute force prompted a law requiring bouncers to be registered and complete a third-party training course. Some states, however, have little to no requirements.

Bouncers may only ask an individual to leave a private establishment or refuse admission to someone who is visibly intoxicated. They also may detain someone who is in the process of committing a crime. Other than that, they could be charged with false imprisonment if they tried to confine someone. If a bouncer assaults a patron, he or she could be sued. The establishment employing the bouncer also could be liable. Similarly, security guards overstepping their boundaries and causing injuries could be held accountable.

Bouncers and security guards are charged with maintaining a safe environment. Put simply, harming others is in direct conflict with that duty.

If you have a question related to an attack on someone’s property or by an employee of a business where someone was harmed, discussing the details with a Philadelphia negligent security attorney may help you understand your legal options. Why not contact us to see if we can help?