Tampa Security Guard Shot Outside Museum of Art

Few people realize the hazards faced by security guards every day. Like police officers, these workers are tasked with maintaining law and order. However, they lack the same kind of protection as police officers – and they are often completely unarmed. A recent incident in Tampa shows just how dangerous this line of work can be, and it left a security guard with gunshot wounds. What can you do if you were hurt while working as a security guard? Can you file a workers’ compensation claim in Tampa?

New Year’s Eve Shooting Leaves Security Guard in Tampa Hospitalized 

About one hour before midnight on New Year’s Eve, a security guard tried to disperse a large crowd that had gathered outside the Tampa Museum of Art. The individuals were on the museum property, and the security guard was attempting to get them to move along when someone shot him. Police seem to indicate that multiple shots were fired, although there is very little additional information to go on.

One source reported that the security guard remembers hearing a “loud pop” before feeling a sharp pain in his chest. This source also refers to the crowd of people as “kids,” indicating that they may have been juveniles. As of this writing, no arrests have been made in connection to the shooting – and the individuals involved fled on foot.

Fortunately, the security guard survived the attack – which ostensibly left him with at least one gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where his condition stabilized. This was not the only shooting in Tampa on New Year’s Eve, and police are also investigating gun violence that left a teenage girl injured.

Can Security Guards File Workers’ Comp Claims? 

Like all employees, security guards are eligible to file workers’ compensation claims in Florida. However, one should note that this right extends only to employees – and not independent contractors. If you were classified as an independent contractor by your employer, you might struggle to pursue compensation.

That being said, many employers intentionally misclassify their employees. Even if your boss says you’re an independent contractor, you might actually be an employee. Speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if you’re facing this type of issue.

Even though security work may be more dangerous than other jobs, you are still protected by Florida’s employment laws. Police officers can also file workers’ comp claims, and they may also suffer gunshot wounds in the line of duty.

Can Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Tampa Help Injured Security Guards? 

Workers’ compensation lawyers in Tampa may be able to help injured security guards. If you were hurt while carrying out work-related duties as an employee of any kind, you should be eligible to receive compensation. Security guards have some of the riskiest jobs imaginable, and they should enjoy full protection under the workers’ compensation program in Florida. To learn more about your next steps, contact The Franco Law Firm today.

Sources: 

wtsp.com/article/news/crime/security-guard-shot-tampa-museum-of-art/67-6f07f86c-199b-4aab-9426-2f1719acbe0b

wtsp.com/video/news/crime/tampa-museum-of-art-security-guard-shooting-curtis-hixon-park/67-b72cfc5e-9838-4d7e-8d9f-9cdf8452c57a