Georgia Legal Report
The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) warns, a fire at The Station nightclub in Warwick, RI claimed the lives of 100 people in 2003. Since that tragedy, the NFPA “has enacted tough new code provisions for fire sprinklers and crowd management in nightclub-type venues.”
While nightclub owners and managers are responsible for adhering to such fire codes and creating a safe space for their patrons, the NFPA offers fire safety preparedness tips to empower nightclub patrons:
Before You Enter
- Take a Good Look. Does the building appear to be in a condition that makes you feel comfortable? Is the main entrance wide and does t open outward to allow easy exit? Is the outside area clear of materials stored against the building or blocking exits?
- Have a Communication Plan. Identify a relative or friend to contact in case of emergency and you are separated from family or friends.
- Plan a Meeting Place. Pick a meeting place outside to meet family or friends with whom you are attending the function. If there is an emergency, be sure to meet them there.
When You Enter
- Take a Good Look. Locate exits immediately. When you enter a building you should look for all available exits. Some exits may be in front and some in back of you. Be prepared to use your closest exit. You may not be able to use the main exit.
- Check for Clear Exit Paths. Make sure aisles are wide enough and not obstructed by chairs or furniture. Check to make sure your exit door is not blocked or chained. If there are not at least two exits or exit paths are blocked, report the violation to management and leave the building if it is not immediately addressed. Call the local fire marshal to register a complaint.
- Do You Feel Safe? Does the building appear to be overcrowded? Are there fire sources such as candles burning, cigarettes or cigars burning, pyrotechnics, or other heat sources that may make you feel unsafe? Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exits, sprinklers, and smoke alarms? Ask the management for clarification on your concerns. If you do not feel safe in the building, leave immediately.
During an Emergency
- React Immediately. If an alarm sounds, you see smoke or fire, or some other unusual disturbance, immediately exit the building in an orderly fashion.
- Get Out, Stay Out! Once you have escaped, sty out. Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. Let trained firefighters conduct rescue operations.
Read more at the NFPA.
Know Your Rights
By law, bar and nightclub owners are required to protect all guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the property owner or management company fail to provide adequate safety and security measures, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
We Fight for Victims of Nightclub Negligence in Georgia …Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of unsafe properties in Georgia, and recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for one of our Clients in Fulton County State Court.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
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