Injured by a Bouncer or Store Security? Know Your Rights in Maryland and D.C.

If you’ve been hurt by a bouncer, private security guard, or store employee, you may be the victim of excessive force. These individuals are not police officers, and they do not have the legal right to physically harm you or detain you without cause. At Falodun Law, we help people in Maryland and Washington, D.C. hold private actors accountable when they cross the line.

What Is Excessive Force by Private Security?

Excessive force by private security occurs when a security guard, bouncer, or employee uses more physical force than is reasonably necessary. While these individuals may be hired to keep the peace, they are not above the law.

Common examples of private security assault include:

• Being shoved, punched, or choked by a bouncer

• Tackled or restrained by store security

• Use of handcuffs or weapons without justification

• Continued force after you are already subdued

  
  

If you were physically hurt in a nightclub, bar, retail store, or private venue, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for your injuries.

Do Private Security Guards Have the Right to Detain or Use Force?

No. Private security guards and bouncers in Maryland and D.C. do not have the same authority as law enforcement officers. They cannot arrest you, detain you without cause, or use violence unless there is an immediate threat.

If they do, you may have a case for:

• Assault and battery

• False imprisonment

• Negligence

• Emotional distress

  
  

At Falodun Law, we investigate every detail to determine whether your rights were violated and whether you are owed compensation.

Understanding the Shopkeeper’s Privilege in Maryland and D.C.

Some businesses try to defend excessive force incidents by claiming shopkeeper’s privilege. This legal doctrine allows store owners or employees to briefly detain someone suspected of shoplifting.

But this privilege has strict limits:

• There must be reasonable belief that theft occurred

• The detention must be brief and non-violent

• The force used must be reasonable

  
  

If store security wrongfully detained you, humiliated you, or used unnecessary force, they may have gone beyond their legal authority, and you may be entitled to damages.

Common Places Where Private Security Assault Happens

At Falodun Law, we’ve seen excessive force by private actors in many different settings:

• Nightclubs and bars: Bouncers attacking patrons or using excessive force to remove someone

• Retail stores: Security guards wrongly accusing and assaulting customers

• Apartment complexes: Security staff detaining or harassing tenants or guests

• Sporting events and concerts: Event staff forcibly removing guests without justification

  
  

If you were injured by a bouncer or detained by store security without cause, we want to hear your story.

Who Is Liable for Private Security Misconduct?

Businesses and venues are often responsible for the actions of their employees. That means you may be able to pursue compensation from:

• The individual security guard or bouncer

• The nightclub or retail store

• A third-party security company

• A property manager or event promoter

  
  

We investigate whether the business hired dangerous staff, failed to train them, or ignored previous misconduct complaints.

What Damages Can You Recover?

If you’ve been physically or emotionally harmed due to excessive force by a private actor, you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses (ER visits, therapy, medication)

• Lost wages if you missed work

• Pain and suffering

• Scarring, disfigurement, or disability

• Punitive damages for outrageous conduct

  
  

We fight to maximize your compensation and make sure your story is heard.

Why Choose Falodun Law?

At Falodun Law, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for justice. We understand how traumatizing it is to be attacked or humiliated by someone who was supposed to ensure your safety. We bring deep experience, personalized attention, and a proven strategy to every case.

✅ Free consultations

✅ No fees unless we win your case

✅ Serving all of Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Take the First Step. Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today.

If you were injured by a bouncer, private security guard, or store employee, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering evidence like surveillance footage, incident reports, and witness statements.

📞 Call Falodun Law now at 301-289-7737

🌐 Visit us at www.falodunlaw.com

📍 Office: 8850 Stanford Blvd., Ste. 2900, Columbia, MD 21045