Lounges, bars. resorts and lodging facilities offer unique security exposure. Litigation stemming from security related incidents at these facilities is common. Excessive force used by security personnel in lounges is one typical cause of action. Another is failure to provide adequate security to customers. However, in cases involving hotels, motels and other lodging facilities, the foundation for the action usually concerns allegations of deficient physical security, lighting, access control and locking devices.

While Mr. Schmedlen is experienced in setting up and managing security, as well as consulting in both lounge and lodging environments, he has not otherwise conducted independent security surveys or risk analyses, since these small businesses seldom contract for such projects.

While there are no security standards, per se, which apply in these situations--other than physical security/lighting standards--this is an area where countermeasures should be reasonable for the environment taking into account community standards and historical events. Additional short-term countermeasures or procedures may be necessary when there is a specific known risk.

Often in lawsuits involving lounges, pubs and bars, Dram Shop Acts play a part in the litigation. Mr. Schmedlen's area of expertise does not include this related specialty.

Please scroll down to view security expert witness lounge, hotel, restaurant and resort case titles.

SECURITY EXPERT WITNESS LITIGATION CASE HISTORY
LOUNGE, HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND RESORT

Larry J. Rogers v
Bargas, Holland Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Holiday Inn
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for plaintiff
Ottawa County, Michigan

Lombard Insurance Company as Subrogee of Canaska Investments/Canaska Racing, Ltd v
Historic Hotel Partners of Detroit d/b/a River Place Inn
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
Wayne County, Michigan

Gregory D. Eickhoff, Jr. v
D.T.T. (Granada Bar) and Robert F. Henley
Lounge, hotel, resstaurant security expert witness for plaintiff
Delta County, Michigan

Richard W. Eva & Sophia Maria Eva v
Cedar Lodge, Inc. & Howard Johnson International Inc., et al
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
Ingham County, Michigan

Cleveland Hickmon, et al v
Stone City et al
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
Will County, Illinois

Dan Hutchinson v
Black Squirrel Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a The Black Squirrel
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
St. Joseph County, Michigan

Barakat v
HPI Illinois (Ramada Inn O'Hare)
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
Cook County, Illinois

Ward v
Platinum Sports
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for plaintiff
Wayne County, Michigan

Kim & Ronald Holbrook v
300 Bowl Lounge, Inc.
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
Oakland County, Michigan

Brian Bultema v
Crystal Mountain, et al
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

City of Dearborn v
Silver Criket
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for defense
City of Dearborn, Michigan

Susan Clare and Donald Berry v
Ernie's Lounge, Kings Mill Inn, et al
Lounge, hotel, restaurant security expert witness for plaintiff
Macomb County, Michigan

An attachment to Mr. Schmedlen's curriculum vitae identifies the clients in each of these matters and contains a recap of each of the cases.

Questions on this subject? Write Roger H. Schmedlen, CPP, CFE, CII, MIPI

LOUNGE & HOTEL SECURITY EXPERT SECURITY EXPERT WITNESS

LOUNGE & HOTEL SECURITY EXPERT
SECURITY EXPERT WITNESS