The first in what is expected to be several lawsuits related to the Aug. 26 shooting during a video game tournament at the Jacksonville Landing was filed Thursday by Morgan & Morgan.
The law firm represents Jacob Mitich, who suffered two gunshot wounds but survived the incident.
The defendants are EA Sports, publisher of the Madden NFL 19 video game that was the focus of the tournament; Jacksonville Landing Investments, Sleiman Enterprises and Property Management Support Inc., owners and managers of the Landing; Chicago Pizza & Sports Grille Inc.; GLHF Esports Bar Inc.; Allied Universal Corp, the private company contracted to provide security at the Landing; and Clifton Comastrato, owner of Chicago Pizza and GLHF.
The complaint contends that tournament promoter EA Sports was, or should have been, aware that the Landing has been the site of criminal acts including violence and murder.
The complaint also contends that the Landing and Chicago Pizza and GLHF owners knew or should have known that the game bar was in violation of safety codes and also failed to provide adequate security for competitors at the tournament.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and demands a jury trial in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
