Criminal attacks can often form the basis for a personal injury civil claim. If you or someone close to you has been injured by a criminal attack on the property of a business, you may be able to seek compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our experienced personal injury lawyers will work diligently to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Whether it is a hotel, retail plaza, gas station, or apartment complex, property owners have an obligation to ensure that the premises are in a reasonably safe condition. This includes the duty to protect customers from foreseeable criminal attacks on their premises. Consider the following examples:
- Hotels, including the hotel parking lot, must have adequate security to protect guests and their property from assault, theft, and other crimes.
- Banks should have enough guards for the location and size of the branch.
- Gas stations must make sure that their customers can pump and pay for gas without being attacked.
- Landlords and property managers must provide residences with the right amount of security based on the crime rate in the neighborhood.
When property owners fail to maintain their premises, they may be liable under the theory of negligence. Negligence takes place when a property owner fails to adhere to a standard of care, resulting in foreseeable harm to the plaintiff. The standard of care refers to how a reasonably prudent person or establishment would act under the same or similar circumstances. Foreseeability is vital in these types of cases. It is only necessary that the property owner be able to foresee that some injury is possible. For instance, if a neighborhood has a pattern of crime, it is foreseeable that a criminal act may occur if an apartment building does not have proper, functioning locks.
A claim for damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, future earnings, and any other costs arising from the attack. Every case is different, and thus the exact amount of damages will vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. In some cases, the compensation can come through a settlement agreement, while in other cases a jury may award it.
It is important to note that Florida has a strict statute of limitations for most types of personal injury lawsuits. Typically, these claims must be filed within four years from the date of the incident. A failure to file within this time frame could mean losing your right to file a claim altogether.
At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our reputable Miami premises liability attorneys go above and beyond for our clients. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can have on you and your entire family, which is why we are committed to pursuing the compensation you deserve for your harm. We proudly represent clients throughout South Florida. For more information, call us at 1-877-499-HURT (4878) or contact us online today.
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