Jury Verdict in Security Guard Assault Case: Liability and Accountability 

Reg Reinoso

Author

A recent $60.65 million jury verdict has placed a spotlight on the responsibilities of venues and their contractors to ensure patron safety. The case stemmed from a severe assault at Texas Live!, an Arlington entertainment complex, where a security guard violently attacked a patron. The security guard smashed a glass mug on the plaintiff’s head, resulting in shards of glass implanted into his skull and life-altering brain injuries. 

This case raises critical questions about employer liability, the importance of rigorous hiring practices, and the need for thorough oversight of third-party contractors. The jury’s decision to hold the venue and its contracted security company accountable underscores the legal and ethical duties businesses have to prevent harm on their premises. For more specific details about this case, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram published an article with more information. 

Venue Accountability and Legal Implications

The jury found Texas Live! significantly accountable, assigning 70% of the liability for the assault. The court examined the venue’s role in hiring and retaining its security contractor, as well as its overall responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for patrons. The jury’s verdict emphasized that businesses cannot outsource liability simply because they contract out security services.

In this case, the security guard involved had a documented history of violent behavior, including a prior felony battery conviction. Evidence presented at trial suggested that Texas Live! and its security contractor failed to properly screen, train, and supervise the guard, creating conditions that allowed the assault to occur. 

The Texas Administrative Code has a rule that a person with a felony conviction over the last 10 years cannot work as a private security guard, yet this man was hired for that position with a 5-year-old violent felony conviction. These failures reinforced the venue’s obligation to ensure that contractors are competent and that their hiring practices prioritize patron safety.

Punitive Damages: A Strong Message Against Negligence

The $60.65 million verdict included a significant allocation for punitive damages, with $50 million assessed against Texas Live! alone. Punitive damages are not merely compensatory; they are designed to punish egregious misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. In this case, the jury sought to address the gross negligence demonstrated in the hiring, training, and supervision of security personnel, emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures.

Such damages often result in substantial verdicts because they aim to send a clear message that negligence, particularly in high-stakes environments like public venues, will not be tolerated. The security contractor was also held responsible for failing to implement sufficient preventative measures, underscoring the shared accountability between employers and venues when public safety is compromised.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.