Criminal Assaults

Civil Lawsuits After Criminal Assaults in Miami

Being victimized by violent assault is terrifying. Even worse is when the perpetrator is not caught and thus no criminal charges can be filed. In such cases, how does the victim get any kind of justice?

Victims of some types of criminal assaults may be able to file civil lawsuits against the property owners where the crimes occurred. Property owners have a legal duty to keep their properties reasonably safe, and to repair or warn of known dangerous conditions. This legal duty applies to known dangerous conditions that make criminal assaults more likely.

If you, or a family member, have been victimized by a criminal assault, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn the full extent of your legal rights as a crime victim. At the Dolan Law Firm, located in Miami, we will advise you of your rights in the civil justice system and monitor any criminal charges that arise from the crime against you — to help make sure justice is won.

Examples of Civil Lawsuits After Criminal Assaults

The best way to understand the right of crime victims to seek financial compensation after criminal assaults is via example:

• A 24-hour ATM machine with inadequate security is the frequent location of armed robberies and assaults. After several robberies, the ATM owner still refuses to add security lighting, hire a security guard, close the ATM after dark, or otherwise make the ATM machine safer for users. A legal argument may be made that the ATM owner failed in his legal duty to keep the property safe from known dangers. Due to his negligence, the property owner may be legally required to pay compensation to future assault victims.
• An apartment complex located in a neighborhood with a statistically high crime rate refuses to add security cameras, gates or security lighting to the parking lot or hallways, despite the occurrence of several violent assaults. If additional assaults occur, the apartment complex owner may be held legally responsible for failing to make the property safe from known dangerous conditions.

A Civil Lawsuit or the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund?

If you have been the victim of a violent crime, experienced personal injury attorney Dan Dolan can evaluate your case and offer information about your various legal options — including filing a private lawsuit or seeking compensation from the Florida Crime Victims' Compensation Fund.

To make a confidential appointment, call (305) 371-2692 or send us an e-mail.