Injured by a Bouncer or Store Security? Know Your Rights in Maryland and D.C.
Updated: Aug 20
If you have been injured by a bouncer or store security, you might be a victim of excessive force. These individuals are not law enforcement officers and lack the legal authority to harm you physically or detain you without justification. At Falodun Law, we assist individuals in Maryland and Washington, D.C. in holding these private parties accountable when they overstep their boundaries.
What Is Excessive Force by Private Security?
Excessive force or police brutality 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 related to excessive force or police brutality.
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 unqualified or poorly vetted staff, failed to train them, or ignored previous misconduct complaints. In some cases, a business's failure to provide adequate security — a separate legal theory known as Negligent Security in Maryland or D.C. — can also be a factor in holding the property owner or manager accountable, particularly where the venue knew of prior incidents and failed to act.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a bouncer or security guard for hitting me?
Yes, if the force used was more than reasonably necessary — against the individual and potentially the business that employed them.
What if I was accused of shoplifting — can the store still be liable?
Yes. Shopkeeper's privilege only covers a brief, non-violent detention with reasonable suspicion. Rough, prolonged, or baseless detentions can still create liability.
Do I need proof, like video footage, to file a claim?
It helps but isn't required to start. An attorney can help identify and preserve footage, reports, and witness statements.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland or D.C.?
Usually three years, but claims framed as assault (and in D.C., battery or false imprisonment) may carry just a one-year deadline. Talk to an attorney early.
What if the guard claims self-defense?
That defense only holds if the force was proportionate to a real, immediate threat. Force used after you were already subdued generally doesn't qualify.
Can I file a claim if I don't know the security company's name?
Yes. An attorney can typically identify the responsible company or employer through records or discovery.
What does it cost to work with Falodun Law?
Nothing upfront. Free consultations, and we only get paid if we win.
