Maison Law offers representation to survivors of sexual assault at apartment complexes due to negligent security. We understand that, in the blink of an eye, your life could be turned upside-down due to an unwarranted attack caused by a criminal. Our attorneys will provide you with the resources that you need to successfully move forward with a claim. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a fully confidential and free case consultation.
Was Negligent Security at Your Apartment Complex to Blame for a Sexual Assault?
According to information provided by Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the majority of sexual assaults that occur in the U.S. happen near or within a survivor’s home. Approximately 15% of these incidents happen in an open public place, which could include an apartment complex courtyard.
If you want to prove that the property owner of an apartment complex is liable for an assault that occurred in a courtyard, you must prove that the owner did not provide adequate security. Some examples of negligent security in a courtyard include the following:
- Lack of or inadequate lighting
- Lack of surveillance cameras around the courtyard
- Lack of security guards in the area
- Failure to warn patrons of previous assaults on the premises
- Failure to remove known rapists from the premises
- Overgrown landscaping that conceals criminals
If you can show that the property owner owed you a duty of care and they breached that duty, you may be able to bring a negligent security claim against a liable party.
Damages Available After a Sexual Assault in a Courtyard
Experiencing a sexual assault in a courtyard or any other area of an apartment complex can be a traumatic experience. You expect to be kept as safe as possible in a place that you call home. Because your safety was not put first and you suffered such a devastating event, you may be able to hold a property owner liable for a wide array of damages. These include any of the following:
- Medical costs associated with an emergency room visit, prescription drugs, diagnostic tests, and more
- Medical expenses you expect to incur in the future related to your injuries
- Lost income or future loss of earnings due to missed time at work
- Rehabilitation and any long-term care
- Pain and suffering
These damages can sometimes help you get back on your feet financially as you deal with the emotional turmoil caused by an assault. To ensure that all damages are accounted for, it can be helpful to speak with a legal advocate that you can trust.
Steps to Take After a Sexual Assault
If you have experienced a sexual assault in an apartment complex courtyard, there are some steps that you should take immediately following the attack. These steps can help you protect your well-being, as well as the future of your claim against a liable party. These steps include the following:
- Keep a list of instances that have caused you discomfort in your apartment complex.
- Call the police right away following an assault or any other type of crime on the property.
- Get immediate medical attention, as well as documentation related to your injuries.
- Gather evidence related to the crime including police reports, medical records, and information provided by any witnesses.
- Take plenty of photographs and videos related to the location of the incident and any injuries you have sustained.
Contact a Negligent Security Lawyer in California Today
It can be challenging to move forward with a negligent security claim after a sexual assault. It is not uncommon to feel confused about your next steps as you deal with a wide array of emotions. You should not have to worry about how you will move forward with a claim against a liable party after such a traumatic event.
At Maison Law, our team of knowledgeable California negligent security lawyers are here to represent you every step of the way in the midst of your case. We believe that you have a right to financial support from a liable party after you have been involved in an act of negligent security. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and no-obligation case consultation.
