Nothing quite like catching a live performance by a favorite band, hanging out after the show and catching a glimpse of their tour bus. And since most people nowadays have cameras on their phones or at least a point-and-shoot number, it seems perfectly reasonable for adoring fans to take pictures.
It seems even more reasonable when said band is the teenage heart-throb sensation the Hanson Brothers. But an alleged overreaction by security guards after an October House of Blues performance may cost the music venue $1.7 million (NBC Chicago).
Hanson Brothers fan Brittney Hernandez simply took a picture of the band's tour bus after the show, according to the complaint (DocStoc), and allegedly was assulted by security guards, who also took her camera.
While it's worth noting that the guards are innocent until proven guilty, video of the incident paints a relatively clear picture (contains language unsuitable for children or the office):
One of the three guards involved in the transgression and identified as the main culprit, Darrell Gibson, was arrested by North District police and charged with misdemeanor battery. Now Gibson and House of Blues will have to defend a $1.7 million civil suit.
Gibson faces counts of negilgence, intentional act, assault, battery, theft, negligent infliction of emotional distress and intentional infliction of emotional distress. As Gibson's employer, House of Blues faces those same seven charges, along with negligent hiring and training, gross negligence and statutory ordinance violations.
That's 17 counts totaling $1.7 million in liability.
-
Definition of "Respondeat Superior" (Wikipedia)
-
Workplace Violence and Negligent Security Claims (provided by Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A.)
-
Find a Chicago injury lawyer (FindLaw)
ShareThis
