California Assault On Premises Lawyer

There are a number of likely situations where a property owner or property manager can be held legally responsible for an assault or physical attack that occurs on his or her premises. Often, poor security and inadequate lighting could become grounds for a premises liability claim involving an assault. These are situations where a lawful visitor to a property suffered physical injuries because he or she was attacked on the premises. These cases can be extremely complex because it can be challenging for victims to prove negligence on the part of the property owner or manager.

You Are Not Alone

An important part of the healing process is to know that you are not alone. Throughout California, there were 7,837 forcible rapes, 56,521 robberies and 94,702 aggravated assaults in the year 2012. There are support groups and legal options available for the victims of these traumatizing events. Do not hesitate to get the help and support you need.

The California personal injury law firm of BISNAR CHASE has a long and successful track record of handling complex and challenging cases on behalf of seriously injured victims and their families. Our team will work diligently to gather evidence in your case. We will work with medical professionals and other expert witnesses to determine the value of your case and help maximize your financial recovery. Our initial consultations are free, comprehensive and completely confidential. We do not charge any fees until you recover compensation for your losses.

Please contact us at 1-949-203-3814 to find out how we can help you.

Damages Suffered by Victims in California

There are many immediate and long-term damages that can result from an assault. Individuals, who are robbed at gunpoint, violently attacked or sexually assaulted often experience mental and emotional trauma in addition to their physical injuries. Many struggle with posttraumatic stress and are afraid of going out alone. It is important that victims of assault are offered the support and care they need to heal physically and emotionally.

Assault Prevention in California

There are many preventive measures that property owners can take to make their premises safer. Sometimes, all it takes to prevent an assault is installing adequate lighting. In other circumstances, a security camera or even just a sign stating that the property is under surveillance may be enough to prevent a serious incident. Properties that have a history of violent crimes must be patrolled by security guards. All property owners must regularly evaluate if they are doing enough to prevent criminal activity on their premises.

Dangerous Locations

There are many types of establishments that must be kept safe for visitors including shopping centers, gas stations, bars, nursing homes, restaurants, amusement parks, motels, hotels, healthcare facilities and apartment buildings. Property owners and managers must regularly monitor their premises to determine if they are safe and if more needs to be done to protect visitors, tenants or guests. They must also review recent incidents and complaints to determine if there are safety concerns that should be addressed in a timely manner.

What You Can Do

There are many property owners who fail to address their issues with lighting, security and supervision. Visitors would be well advised to avoid these types of properties. If you feel uncomfortable at a certain location, you should file a complaint and avoid going there until conditions change. Of course, there are some properties, such as apartment buildings and places of work that cannot be avoided.

If you must regularly visit a location that is unsafe, you would be well advised to stay alert. Some people find comfort in carrying pepper spray or even a stun gun. Others take self-defense class so that they are ready in the event of an incident. Whatever mode of you choose, it always helps to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you know you are going to a potentially risky location, make sure you are not alone. Although it would be best to avoid a dangerous situation altogether, it is important that you take the necessary precautions at all times because an assault or attack can happen anytime, anywhere.

What to Do after an Attack

If you have been attacked, it is important that you know that it is not your fault. These incidents could occur even if you have done everything right and have taken all possible safety measures. If you have been robbed or assaulted, call the police right away. Get to a safe location and wait for the authorities to arrive. Make sure you file a police incident report right away.

It is advisable to write down everything you remember about your assailant. Immediately after the attack, you may be dazed, confused or afraid. But you need to write down important details such as the suspect's height, weight, clothing and hair color. Write down every detail you can remember as soon as possible including any distinguishing marks or tattoos your assailant may have had.

You should also take photos of where the incident took place and collect contact information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Write down exactly when and where the incident took place and see if the location has security cameras that may have recorded the attack. Last but not least, seek medical attention right away so that you get the treatment you need to make a quick and complete recovery.

Getting the Support You Need

You have the right to pursue financial compensation from the property owner who failed to prevent the assault. You will have to show when and where you were assaulted and what could have been done to prevent the incident. If the property owner failed to prevent the attack by not installing preventative measures, then, support may be available for all of the damages you have suffered.

For example, if you choose to file a premises liability claim, you may be able to receive support for your medical bills, lost wages, the cost of hospitalization and physical therapy, lost future wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other related damages. Make sure you do not accept a settlement offer that does not cover all of the damages you have suffered and could suffer in the future.