Legal Help for Victims of Fights, Assaults & Battery by Patrons or Staff
You shouldn’t have to worry about getting punched, shoved, or attacked while out enjoying your night. But when bars, nightclubs, restaurants, or other businesses fail to control violent customers or employ aggressive staff, innocent people get hurt.
At Williford Law, PLLC, we help victims of assault, battery, and physical altercations at commercial properties across and throughout Texas. Whether you were attacked by another patron or by a bouncer or employee, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Can You Sue for Assault or Battery at a Business?
Yes. Under Texas premises liability law, businesses must provide a reasonably safe environment and take action to prevent foreseeable violence. That includes controlling intoxicated patrons, properly training security, and removing people who pose a danger.
You may have a valid legal claim if:
| Scenario | Potential Liability |
| You were attacked by a customer | The business ignored warning signs or failed to eject the aggressor |
| You were assaulted by staff | The employee used excessive or unjustified force |
| A fight broke out on the premises | Security failed to respond appropriately or instigated the incident |
| The attacker had a violent history | The business knew (or should have known) and failed to act |
We also investigate whether the venue overserved alcohol in violation of Texas Dram Shop laws.
Common Locations Where Assaults Happen
- Nightclubs and bars
- Concert venues and festivals
- Restaurants and lounges
- Hotel bars or rooftop clubs
- Sports bars during games
- Strip clubs or after-hours establishments
Businesses that profit from high-energy environments have a responsibility to control them.
Injuries from Fights and Assaults
Even a single punch or shove can cause serious harm. We represent clients suffering from:
- Broken noses, jaws, and facial bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Eye injuries or loss of vision
- Neck and back trauma
- Cuts and bruises from glass, punches, or falls
- Gunshot or knife wounds
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death due to violent altercations
Whether you were the intended target or an innocent bystander caught in the chaos, you have legal rights.
What to Do After Being Assaulted at a Business
- Call 911 immediately—ensure there is an official police report
- Get medical attention—document your injuries early
- Report the incident to management—request a copy of any internal report
- Take photos—capture your injuries and the scene
- Gather witness contact information
- Do not give statements to the venue or their insurance company
Surveillance footage often gets erased within days. Contact us quickly so we can act to preserve critical evidence.
Who May Be Liable?
| Party | Legal Duty |
| Property/business owner | Avoid aggressive behavior and act within the job scope |
| Security staff or bouncers | Use reasonable force only; avoid escalation |
| Third-party security contractors | Train staff properly and comply with safety policies |
| Employees | Avoid aggressive behavior and act within job scope |
| Alcohol servers | Avoid serving visibly intoxicated or violent patrons (Dram Shop Act) |
We pursue all possible sources of liability, including the attacker directly, if appropriate.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of assaults at businesses may be entitled to:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future income loss
- Psychological therapy for trauma or anxiety
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages (for intentional or reckless conduct)
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
At Williford Law, we calculate the true cost of your injury, not just what the business’s insurer wants to pay.
Why Choose Williford Law?
We know how clubs, restaurants, and property owners try to shift blame to the attacker or deny responsibility. Our job is to uncover the patterns of negligence that led to your harm—whether that’s poor staffing, lax security, or tolerance of violent behavior.
You’ll get:
- Immediate investigation and notice to preserve evidence
- Access to assault and premises liability experts
- Aggressive negotiation and trial readiness
- Zero legal fees unless we win your case
