Coolidge, AZ – A fight at the Gallopin’ Goose bar in Coolidge turned into a parking lot shooting early Sunday, August 20, 2023, leaving one person dead and three others injured. The Coolidge Police Department received a 9-1-1 call at 12:48 a.m. about multiple people shot at the bar, located at 1980 S Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85128.
Multiple Victims Shot at Local AZ Bar
Officers arrived on the scene and found 32-year-old Phillip Rutledge suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to Florence Anthem Hospital, where he died from his injuries. Three other adults were also injured in the shooting. Two were shot in the foot, and one was shot in the arm and leg. Their injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Bar Fight Spilled Out To Parking Lot Before Gunfire Erupted
The Coolidge Police Department is investigating the shooting. They believe that the incident started inside the bar when two women got into a physical fight. Bar staff kicked the women out of the bar, but they continued the altercation in the parking lot. Shortly afterward, family and friends arrived, and another fight started and escalated into people pulling out guns and exchanging gunshots.
Bar Shooting Investigation Continues
The department believes that they have identified the individuals involved, but no arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Coolidge Police Department.
Gun Violence Attorney Discusses Legal Options for Families of Bar Shooting Victims
In the wake of the recent bar shooting in Coolidge, Arizona, families of the victims may be seeking justice through civil lawsuits against the bar owner. Attorney Laurence Banville spoke with gun violence attorney Kevin Biniazan, Esq., about the legal grounds for bar shooting lawsuits in general along with the potential damages that victims could recover.
Laurence Banville: Kevin, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Generally speaking, what are the legal grounds for a civil lawsuit against a bar owner after a shooting?
Kevin Biniazan: There are a few different legal theories that can be used, but the most common one is negligence. To establish negligence, the plaintiff must show that the bar owner had a duty of care to the victim, that the bar owner breached that duty, that the breach of duty was the cause of the victim’s injuries, and that the victim suffered damages as a result.
Laurence Banville: Can you give me an example of how a bar owner might breach their duty of care?
Kevin Biniazan: Sure. Let’s say a bar owner allows a known violent customer to stay at the bar even though the customer has been known to start fights. If that customer then goes on to shoot someone, the bar owner could be held liable for negligence because they failed to take reasonable steps to protect their customers from harm.
Laurence Banville: What other factors might a court consider when deciding whether to hold a bar owner liable?
Kevin Biniazan: The court will consider all of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the nature of the bar, the type of security measures in place, and the bar owner’s knowledge of any potential risks. For example, if the bar is located in a high-crime area, the court may be more likely to find that the bar owner had a duty to take more extensive security measures.
Laurence Banville: What are the potential damages that a victim’s family could recover in a civil lawsuit?
Kevin Biniazan: The damages can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, but they can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.
Laurence Banville: Thank you for your time, Kevin. This has been very helpful.
Kevin Biniazan: You’re welcome. I hope this conversation is helpful. It is important to note that every case is different, and the specific legal options available to the families of victims will vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of their case. I always recommend that victims speak with an experienced attorney to discuss their legal options.
Contact a Bar Shooting Attorney to Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bar shooting, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options. A consultation is free and confidential. Victims of bar shootings deserve justice.
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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