Can Victims of Nightclub Violence and Sexual Assault Seek Justice, Compensation?

Nightclub-Bar-Scene-300x192Nightclubs are often targeted for criminal activity given late hours of operation, typically low levels of lighting, and a frequent presence of alcohol. By law, bar and nightclub owners are required to protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm.

The D.C. Metro Police Department urges nightclub owners to protect their patrons by implementing staff training and security precautions:

  • Bouncers, severs and sellers must be vigilant and check all IDs. If a patron does not look 40, check his or her ID.
  • Be responsible servers—do not serve alcohol to a intoxicated person.
  • Promote responsible consumption.
  • Discourage loitering in front of establishments.

Victims of Nightclub Violence and Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

If you are a victim of sexual assault get help. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis center. If possible, save your clothes, don’t shower or brush teeth, and seek medical attention immediately. If you have a lapse of memory, or wake up in a strange place and feel you might have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact a local law enforcement agency immediately.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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:

ABA Center for Professional ResponsibilityA 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.

 

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