Mother of Deceased Teen Sues Bar for Wrongful Death in South Carolina

In August of 2025, a mother spoke out after losing her teen son. She is filing a wrongful death lawsuit after a shooting at a bar that claimed the life of her 19-year-old. This incident highlights a serious hazard that teenage boys might face while growing up in South Carolina, and this type of situation could potentially lead to compensation for the families. To learn more about wrongful death lawsuits in South Carolina, be sure to contact an experienced attorney.

Mother of Deceased Teen Sues Horry County Bar for Wrongful Death

In late August of 2025, the mother of a deceased 19-year-old in Horry County sued a local bar for wrongful death. According to her, the establishment could have done much more to prevent the death of her son. The incident occurred on New Year’s Eve in 2023, and it led to the death of the teenager and another 20-year-old man. Police have already established that the shooting was gang-related.

A few months before the shooting, police noticed that the bar seemed to attract gang members. Law enforcement then spoke with the owners and suggested raising the minimum age to deter potential violence. Although management failed to take this action before the fatal shooting, they quickly enacted the new policy afterward.

Throughout 2023, local police also received multiple complaints about the establishment. WMBF News states that there were 37 calls to police in total, and that the bar was subsequently labeled an official “nuisance” by law enforcement.

The victim’s mother claims that due to the numerous complaints and their clear awareness of gang activities on the premises, the bar should have taken more preventative measures to deter future violence. After the shooting, the bar had its liquor license revoked by law enforcement. A different mother sued the same bar in 2024, although her son survived the attack.

This lawsuit shows the importance of “awareness” in negligent security cases. The plaintiff is clearly trying to establish that the defendant was aware of the threat posed by violent criminals before the attack. This is often a key step, as defendants can theoretically avoid liability for hazards they never became aware of.

Negligent security lawsuits often involve considerable research into the history of an establishment. In this case, the negligent security lawyer has clearly reviewed the various complaints and police calls associated with the establishment, and this type of research can help defendants establish negligence.

Can a South Carolina Wrongful Death Attorney Help Me?

If you have lost a teenager to a fatal incident or accident, you may want to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney in South Carolina. These legal professionals can assess your situation and determine whether negligence might have been to blame for your child’s passing. A wrongful death lawsuit can help cover numerous damages, including funeral costs and unpaid medical bills. Contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today to learn more.

Source: 

wmbfnews.com/2025/08/26/horry-county-bar-ignored-safety-suggestions-before-deadly-shooting-lawsuit-claims/