Parking lots are a maze of cars and lanes - strangers rushing to and fro, often distracted by their devices or newly purchased items. Violence in a parking area can occur for any number of reasons, such as theft, road rage or alcohol. If you or someone you know has been the victim of violence while on a retail or business property, call an Atlanta personal injury attorney for a free consultation.

Parking Lot Shootings and a Robbery

A fight occurred early Sunday morning inside the Rodeo Grill and Bar in Macon before moving outside into the parking lot. That's when the shooting began. Kevin Lashawn Wilson, the club manager, was struck in the head. Currently, he is in critical but stable condition.

Two weeks ago, a 47-year-old College Park resident was putting his groceries away in a Kroger parking lot when two armed robbers in gray clothes walked up to him and demanded his car keys and wallet. The victim refused. When he began to physically resist them, the robbers threatened to kill him and snatched his wallet away.

The victim was then struck on the side of the head with a gun but managed to escape, quickly walking towards the grocery store. A shot whizzed by him, shattering one of the storefront windows.

A Fulton County police officer heard the shot and attempted to chase the robbers as they fled the scene. So far, they have not been found.

Protecting Parking Lot Injury Victims

It is always important for individuals to monitor their surroundings and keep themselves as safe as possible, but property owners have the greater responsibility when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of people accessing their business or store.

Parking areas in particular carry increased risks for robbery or assault. Property owners may need to hire in-store security, schedule security patrols, invest in surveillance equipment or provide employee training.

Violent crimes such assault or robbery related to negligent security can be frightening to endure and may leave the victim physically or emotionally devastated. The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates help parking lot accident victims get justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

If you have been the victim of crime while at a shopping mall, grocery store, or other retail or commercial business, we urge you to seek legal counsel to defend your rights.

Further Reading

• Do I Need a Lawyer? Inadequate Security in a Commercial Establishment
• Holding Property Owners Accountable for Negligent Security