If you’ve been involved in a bar fight with a bouncer, it’s critical that you get legal guidance from an experienced bar brawl attorney.
When you go out to a Texas nightclub or bar, you’ll likely see bouncers and event security staff at the doors and inside of the establishment. Most concerts and special events will also have bouncers or people with “security” t-shirts overlooking the crowd.
Bouncers and security guards are hired at bars and nightclubs to create a reasonably safe environment for patrons. But sometimes, these bouncers and security guards act outside of the requirements determined by Texas law.
If you’ve been in a fight with a bouncer at a Texas bar or nightclub OR you’re the owner of a Texas bar or nightclub that employs bouncers and security, this info is for you.
Bouncer negligence can lead to fights and bar brawls that can result in injuries and property damage. Both bouncers and bar owners might be held liable for damages and injuries, but it depends on the circumstances and details of the fight. It’s important to know exactly what bouncers can and can’t do in the name of security. While security is important for keeping bargoers safe, there are limits to the actions that bouncers can take when trying to control a crowd.
Sometimes, underqualified and/or unlicensed bouncers can go too far to restrain or subdue a person. It can lead to serious injuries and suffering as well as expose the establishment owner to liability claims.
What does Texas law say about what bouncers can and can’t do in the name of security?
Licensed bouncers in Texas are legally allowed to do the following:
- Issue verbal warnings
- Ask you to leave
- Check for ID
- Refuse entry if you’re too intoxicated, fail to comply with establishment policies, or engage in aggressive behavior
- Call the police
- Protect innocent bystanders from violence
- Break up fights they are not involved in
- Respond with equal force if necessary
In the state of Texas, it’s a criminal offense to carry out any scope of service regarding security-related work without a license – this includes courtesy officers, event staff, and bouncers. If individuals are caught, they can be arrested.
It takes much more than a person putting on a shirt that reads “security” to become a security officer. In Texas, proper training, education and licensing is required in order for anyone to perform the duties or present themselves as a guard. So, if you were involved in a bar fight with unlicensed bouncers or security guards who are operating outside of state law guidelines, you may be entitled to restitution for your injuries and medical bills.
If that’s the case for you, you’ll have two options for an filing injury claim when it comes to bouncer negligence:
First, you can file an intentional tort claim against the bouncer.
Second, you can file a premises liability claim against the business.
Both might be the best option in some cases. Either way, you’ll need legal help to get it done. The bar brawl injury claims process can be complicated. It’s best to get help from experts if you’re going seeking damages.
Don’t hesitate to contact Malley Law’s Texas bar brawl attorneys to get help from experts in bouncer negligence and bar fights. Your case evaluation is risk-free and will get you started down the right path.
