$1,000,000 settlement – ATM shooting death

ATMs are known as crime magnets, and with good reason.  Because they are usually open 24 hours a day, and dispense cash at the touch of a button, criminals gravitate toward them as a source of quick money.  Although this is an established problem, banks often do relatively little to prevent ATM-related crimes and the violence that often accompanies it.

We see ATMs at stores, malls, airports and even free standing.  But when they are located at the banks themselves, they deserve even more security consideration.

Two robbers shot and killed a man who had just withdrawn cash from an ATM at a bank at midnight.  John Elliott Leighton was brought in to represent the family of this man.  Mr. Leighton litigated this case and determined that the premises failed to meet minimum standards for ATMs. Leighton proved that negligent security was the cause of this man’s death.  A confidential settlement of $1 million was obtained prior to trial, allowing the man’s family a measure of financial security after their terrible loss.

Because of the known dangers of ATMs, banks and other businesses who have ATMs need to be aware of the industry standards and specific laws that apply to ATMs.  In this case Mr. Leighton proved that there were violations of Florida’s ATM law as well as industry standards. Lighting standards were violated as were basic concepts of bank and ATM safety, making this crime reasonably foreseeable to the bank.  This contributed to making the ATM a dangerous location and making this crime occur.  As ATM and violent crime lawyers, Mr. Leighton and his team at Leighton Law were equipped to secure the evidence and prove the case against this financial institution.  It is our hope that these cases serve to enhance awareness of the need for improved security and lighting at ATMs throughout the United States.  Mr. Leighton has litigated ATM and security cases throughout Florida and in several other states, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Georgia and Texas.

Disclaimer: The information about past verdicts and settlements of the firm’s cases are based on the unique facts of each case. These amounts reflect the gross recovery in each case (before attorneys fees, expenses and medical costs are deducted). Although these results were obtained by our firm, they may not indicate the success or value of any other case. By clicking on Verdicts and Settlements you are acknowledging that each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits. The information contained here has not been reviewed or approved by The Florida Bar.