Sexual assault is a very serious crime. In Georgia, acts of sexual assault occur all-too-frequently, and AJC.com recently reported that in Atlanta, the number of rapes in the city has doubled from a year ago. These acts of sexual assault and rape can affect men and women, and may occur in private and public areas.
If you are the victim of sexual assault that occurred at a hotel, in an apartment complex, in an office building, in a parking lot, or in another area where negligent security may have contributed to the act of assault, you may be entitled to pursue a claim for fair and adequate compensation.
The Effects of Sexual Violence
A victim of sexual assault may experience myriad negative effects after the assault. RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, explains that sexual assault can lead to depression, flashbacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self harm, eating disorders, sleep disorders, suicide, and a whole range of physical effects, including:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
- Pregnancy; and
- Bruises, lacerations, and other injuries associated with physical assault.
You Deserve To Be Compensated for the Harm You’ve Suffered
When an act of sexual assault occurs, you should report the sexual assault to the police and other appropriate parties (i.e. the owner of the property where the assault occurred) immediately. The police are responsible for investigating and reporting the incident, and the state is responsible for bringing criminal charges against the perpetrator if appropriate. In addition to this, you may file a lawsuit for damages directly against the at-fault party.
In addition to the assaulter, if you were sexually assaulted on a property such as a hotel, in a parking lot, or at an apartment building, you may also have a case against the owner of the property if you can prove that negligent security contributed to your injuries. Negligent security means the failure to provide a reasonable level of security in response to the known level of threat/danger.
For example, it is reasonable to expect the owner of your apartment building to provide a door that locks with a deadbolt, or for the owner of a hotel to secure the hotel with video footage, and perhaps a security guard. If you can prove that the owner of the property breached the duty of care owed to you by failing to provide reasonable security, and that the lack of security contributed to the incident of sexual assault, the property owner may be held partially liable for your damages.
Contact Our Georgia Negligent Security Attorneys Today
Unfortunately, the world is not always safe. In order to protect guests and residents, owners have a duty to ensure that their properties are reasonably secure. If you are the victim of a sexual assault crime that occurred on the property of another party, you may have a claim for compensation for your losses. To learn more, contact our Georgia negligent security attorneys today for a free consultation.
The foregoing answers are not legal advice and are merely a general overview. You are advised to consult a lawyer to address your specific situation regarding your situation. For more information or to inquire about a free consultation, contact the experienced Atlanta injury attorneys at Apolinsky & Associates at (404) 377-9191 or send us an email.
