Representing Survivors Against Negligent Property Owners in Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland
Under premises liability law, business owners and managers must provide a reasonable standard of safety to any individual in or on their property. Thus, if the owner or manager knows that sexual assault is foreseeable on their property, the property owner/manager is legally obligated to provide safety and security measures to protect individuals from being victimized by such crime on their property. When they fail in this regard, you may be able to file a claim to hold them accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted on the premises of a business, Ashcraft & Gerel wants to help. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of sexual assault survivors, always aiming to prevent others from suffering the same trauma. We understand the stigma surrounding sexual assault and how nerve-wracking it can be to discuss what happened, which is why we offer empathetic, non-judgmental legal counsel to survivors. Furthermore, private consultations are offered free of charge and obligation.
A Legal Responsibility to Provide Adequate Security
The unfortunate truth is that sexual assault and abuse can happen anywhere and be committed against anyone.There are some everyday locations where sexual assault often takes place, such as the following:
- Parking lots/garages
- Hotels and motels
- Restaurants
- College dormitories
- Apartment buildings
- Office buildings
- Workplaces
In many cases, owners these properties know or should know that their properties pose a risk of assault when left unmonitored. Therefore, the law requires they provide adequate security measures to prevent these crimes, including but not limited to security cameras, properly functioning door and window locks, security personnel, or proper lighting.
Suing a Property Owner in a Sexual Assault Claim
In a premises liability claim against a business owner or manager, you must establish that the owner or manager failed to act with reasonable care in securing the premises, and that this failure to use reasonable care caused or contributed to your assault. If found liable, a property or business owner may be required to compensate you for any pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, missed work and/or school, emotional distress, or other expenses related to the assault.
Work with Seasoned Attorneys
Ashcraft & Gerel has fought for injured individuals for more than 65 years and recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our lawyers stand by the belief of the civil justice system that property owners must uphold their responsibility of providing anyone on their premises with a reasonable standard of safety. Put attorneys respected by clients, peers, and multiple industry organizations — Super Lawyers®, Martindale-Hubbell,The Best Lawyers in America©, and the American Association for Justice, among others — in your corner. We are proud to advocate for individuals from all walks of life in small and large cases.
