The reality is that certain hazards inside a bar or nightclub are unavoidable. Just like driving on the road, there are some dangers that you cannot avoid. However, there are steps you can take to limit exposure to injury. Our firm handles dozens of bar injuries every year. We hope that, by suggesting these nightclub safety tips, the Washington, DC nightlife scene will be a safer place.
Our DC personal injury lawyers have been practicing injury law here and in Maryland for 69 years. In addition to the near seven decades practicing in Washington, DC, we also provide scholarships to local colleges. It is our hope that this continued effort will continue to expand the sense of community that exists in the District.
Planning ahead is important in everything that you do. When alcohol is a factor, planning and implementing nightclub safety tips is even more beneficial. As personal injury lawyers, our first suggestion is to plan out transportation. While the Metro is a great option, Uber and Lyft also provide convenient options in the area. The worst thing to do after a bar or nightclub is to get behind the wheel. To do so substantially increases your chances of being seriously injured. Additionally, there are severe legal consequences for your actions. But beyond that, it is unsafe for everyone else on the road. Being able to plan ahead for alternate transportation alleviates the legal liability as well as protects yourself and everyone else on the road. If it is too late and you are unable to get or afford Metro or Uber, it is always better to call a friend.
You should also inform a friend or family member of your plans and review this list of nightclub safety tips with them. There is no telling what will happen throughout the night. Telling someone where you are does two things. First, it stops that person from having to worry about you. Second, in case you lose your phone or it runs out of battery, you now have an additional means of returning home.
Choosing the right bar can be easier said than done. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or want to choose somewhere new, choosing the right place can be a guessing game. Fortunately, it is easier now to do due diligence with things like Google’s reviews. Some clubs are safer than others. If a place has a reputation for poor safety, it might be smart to heed the advice to stay away. A bar can be unsafe for a number of reasons. Overcrowding is a big issue at some places.
Some clubs circumvent capacity restrictions by calculating their square footage in tricky ways. For example, they may have an outside section, but it is closed due to weather. Then, the club may fit the same number of people in the smaller, inside section. This is a crucial nightclub safety tip. Overcrowding can lead to pushing, fights, and sometimes death. If a club has a reputation for overcrowding, consider looking elsewhere.
Another reason to look for another bar or club is due to lack of security. Especially in 2023, adequate security is a necessity for a bar. Further, it can be negligent by the nightclub to not have adequate security. Most bars and nightclubs know this. If they do not comply with this duty, it is best to stay away. We have handled many cases where there was chaos in the bar due to a lack of security and injury ensued.
Once inside, a simple yet essential nightclub safety tip is to be aware of your surroundings. Throughout the night, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment. However, it is always worthwhile to take a moment and make sure everything around you is still safe. This means checking to see if there is anyone at the bar who may pose a threat to you or your group. It also means making sure you are aware of exits in the case of an emergency.
This is ultimately your responsibility. No one will watch out for you as well as you can. This means, at the least, doing the little things right. An important nightclub safety tip is to not leave your drink unattended. If possible, do not even let it leave your line of sight. Unfortunately, people do get drugged at bars and nightclubs. What is worse, victims generally have no idea who did it or have any way to prove it. While we have received calls from potential clients asking about this, the best thing you can do in that situation is communicate with the bar or nightclub owner and review security footage. This may or may not lead to some identifiable pictures to give to police.
Remember that you have a legal right to a safe environment. There is a lot of law that protects patrons at bars. If you are at a bar or nightclub and notice something potentially hazardous, bring it up with ownership. This puts them on legal notice. Otherwise, they are given a grace period by the law to inspect on their own. How long that grace period would be depends on the facts of the case.
If you have any questions or believe you have a viable claim, contact our office for a free consultation or more nightclub safety tips.
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