Philadelphia Sexual Assault Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability lawsuits result from people sustaining harm on someone else’s property because the property owner or person responsible fails to adhere to their legal obligations. Proving liability for injuries from sexual assault usually involves negligent security and establishing the landowner knew or should have known of the risk.

When the property location has a high crime rate, they must keep customers, residents, and visitors safe while on the premises. Contact a Philadelphia sexual assault premises liability lawyer to learn more. Our compassionate sexual assault injury attorneys understand your trauma and will work with you to pursue the compensation you are owed.

Negligent Security Lawsuits

Property owners of shopping centers, convenience stores, nightclubs, and other commercial properties must provide safety and security for their customers. When they fail to take adequate preventative measures, such as on-site security and surveillance equipment, and someone is sexually assaulted, this could lead to a civil lawsuit. Examples of inadequate security include:

• Broken security intercoms
• Broken doors, windows, and locks
• Broken or malfunctioning security cameras
• Insufficient training or hiring practices for security guards
• Lack of sufficient lighting inside and outside, including parking lots and garages
• Lack of security guards or patrol when required because of the type of business or location

After reviewing the case details, a Philadelphia sexual assault premises liability attorney could advise whether sufficient evidence exists for a case and answer questions about the process.

Establishing Liability

Establishing fault for negligent security is more complex than other premises liability lawsuits. Evidence may include police reports of incidents occurring in the neighborhood, news reports of similar crimes nearby, and support that the property owner failed to take adequate steps as laws require. Specific elements are necessary to prove fault, including:

• The property owner failed to meet their duty and take steps to know the potential for crime in the area or warn visitors of the risk
• The injured party was on the property lawfully when the assault happened
• The failure to assess and recognize the foreseeability of a third party to cause harm to a customer
• The attack and sexual assault would not have happened if the defendant had acted as the laws require
• The survivor suffered verifiable damages because of the negligence

Winning a case requires proving the existence of foreseeability, meaning the defendant had a valid reason to know of the threat and take necessary measures to protect customers.

Landlord Rules and Legal Responsibilities

Landlords must ensure doors, windows, and locks are working correctly and in good condition. They must perform property inspections and maintenance to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from unnecessary risk of harm.

Landlords operating apartment buildings and rental communities in areas with high crime rates must address security issues or face lawsuits from those hurt due to their negligence. A sexual assault premises liability lawyer in Philadelphia could investigate and gather the evidence needed to establish liability.

Schedule to Meet With a Qualified Sexual Assault Premises Liability Attorney in Philadelphia

You could be eligible for compensation If you were the victim of a sexual assault because of landlord negligence or while at a store or other business because of a lack of security. The cases are intricate, requiring establishing the presence of specific elements.

Speaking to a hard-working and knowledgeable Philadelphia sexual assault premises liability lawyer can ensure you understand your rights and win the settlement amount and justice you deserve. Call soon to review your case and options at a free consultation.