The Legal Herald
JBS Parkway and Highway 80 (Google Maps)
Motel Security Lapse? Our Legal Take: Second Odessa Motel Sexual Assault
Local News
Odessa Police are reportedly investigating the second motel sexual assault, in the Highway 80 and JBS Parkway area, to occur within a three month span. Initial media reports indicate “there is a strong possibility that the same suspect committed both of these crimes.”
According to KSLA News 12, in each incident “a woman who was in her hotel room…was left alone for a short period of time” when the suspect entered and sexually assaulted her. As the assailant’s estimated height is “the main difference between both of these incidents,” police believe it is possible they are searching for the same assailant in both crimes.
Our Legal Take
Motel guests have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment that they are visiting. Given the recent history of local motel crime, The Murray Law Firm questions the level of security provided to guests of the motels where these incidents occurred and whether these unconscionable attacks may have been prevented.
- What access-controls and security measures, such as gated and guarded entry, surveillance cameras, bright lighting, and security patrols, were in place to protect guests at the time of the assaults?
- Following the first attack, were any additional security precautions implemented by the second motel owner to protect guests and deter such crime?
Generally, motel owners are required to protect all guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should the facts of this matter reveal that the motel owners failed to provide adequate security to protect those on premises, the victims may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for their injuries and suffering.
Given the complexities of pursuing a negligent security case, it is imperative that the victims retain an experienced attorney who can ensure the preservation of any and all evidence that may support such a claim. Based upon its prior experience in handling property security negligence claims, The Murray Law Firm suggests that photographs and a thorough, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed immediately, before any evidence may be repaired, damaged or destroyed.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Security Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of violence and security negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.
We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”