Being robbed at gunpoint is an absolutely terrifying experience. When your life flashes before your eyes, you may respond with immobility, panic, or in some cases, with aggression towards the robber. In any case, being robbed at gunpoint could very well leave you with property losses, assuming the robber makes off with your possessions; psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder; and even physical injuries in the event that the robber uses the gun to shoot or strike you during the incident.
When you are robbed at gunpoint, it is critical that you report the incident to the police as soon as possible, who hopefully will be able to apprehend the criminal and pursue criminal charges. But in addition to criminal charges, you may also have a civil suit for damages. Here’s a look into what you need to know.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit After Being Robbed at Gunpoint
As stated above, it is very likely that you suffer damages if you are robbed at gunpoint, including:
- Property damage losses;
- Psychological injuries; and
- Physical injuries.
These injuries could result in:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages and earning capacity; and
- Pain and suffering.
While a criminal case will result in criminal penalties, such as jail time, it does nothing to compensate you financially for these losses. Filing a lawsuit to collect these damages may be within your best interest.
There are typically two parties against whom you may file a suit:
- The person who robbed you; and
- The owner of the property and management of the property where the robbery at gunpoint took place.
Why a Property Owner and Management Company May Be Liable for Your Robbery at Gunpoint
A property owner/company and management company may be held liable for your robbery at gunpoint if the owner/company neglected the duty of care owed to you. For example, consider a situation in which a hotel guest in Atlanta is robbed at gunpoint within their own hotel room. The guest would have a strong case for a negligent security claim, arguing that the hotel neglected its duty to protect guests and ensure that the hotel property is reasonably safe. Installing security cameras, having a security guard on site, or creating more restricted access zones may all have been appropriate, and prevented the robbery from occurring in the first place.
The same could be said for a robbery that occurs in a shopping center, apartment building, bar, or restaurant. If the robbery could have been prevented but for the lack of adequate security, the victim may have a claim against the owner of the property, the hotel, restaurant, etc.
How Our Georgia Negligent Security Attorneys Can Help You
The foregoing answer is not legal advice and is merely a general overview. You are advised to consult a lawyer to address your specific situation. Feel free to send comments or questions to: steve@aa-legal.com of Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, or call (404) 377-9191.
