Jacksonville Sexual Assault Lawyers

Representing Survivors of Sexual Assault Caused by Negligent Security

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. of Jacksonville, Florida, our sexual assault attorneys focus on cases of sexual assault that happen due to negligent security practices followed by businesses, venues, corporations, and even government entities. As trauma-informed attorneys who understand the immense hardships caused by sexual attacks and abuse, we are committed to helping sexual assault survivors understand their rights and explore their legal options at a pace that respects their wishes and well-being. If you were sexually assaulted and believe that a lack of security measures enabled or failed to prevent the offender’s criminal actions, know that we are here to support, guide, and listen to your story, so you can decide if you want to pursue justice, compensation, and hopefully a sense of closure by filing an injury claim or lawsuit.

Reasons why you should choose Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. for your sexual assault case:

• We have more than 150 years of collective practice experience.
• We have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and awards for past clients.
• We have been named a “Tier 1 Best Law Firm” in personal injury and medical malpractice.
• We use contingency fees for injury claims – you don’t pay unless we win.
• We are trauma-informed, so we know how to approach the most traumatic of topics and cases.

Explore your legal rights as a survivor of sexual assault caused by negligent security. Request a free and confidential case review with our Jacksonville sexual assault lawyers by dialing (904) 295-1050 today.

Negligent Security Fails to Stop Sexual Assault

When you are on someone else’s property, you have the right to expect to be kept in relative safety from known and unknown hazards, as well as from the harmful acts of criminal offenders. This expectation is particularly important when you are on property controlled by a business, corporation, or government entity. Such parties have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to secure their premises from potential criminal acts that could hurt anyone on their property, including guests, employees, visitors, residents, etc.

If you were sexually assaulted on someone else’s property, it might be a premises liability matter of negligent security, which could allow you to hold the property owner or manager liable through a civil injury claim or lawsuit. To know your legal options for certain, start by talking to our Jacksonville sexual assault attorneys today.

Our law firm can bring negligent security-based sexual assault claims against the owners of:

• Bars
• Restaurants
• Music venues
• Hotels
• Apartment complexes
• Amusement parks
• Hospitals
• Educational institutions
• Religious institutions
• Office buildings
• Public parks
• Many more

Examples of Negligent Security in a Sexual Assault Claim

A property owner or manager should take reasonable steps to monitor and secure their premises to deter the actions of criminal offenders, including sexual assailants. When security is light, poorly organized, or altogether missing, the property owner could be found legally responsible for any harm done by criminal offenders there.

Examples of negligent security that might come up in a sexual assault claim are:

• Inadequate number of security personnel
• Poorly trained or supervised security personnel
• Lack of locking entrances and exits
• Lack of security cameras
• Inadequate identity checks at entrances
• Damaged or missing exterior fencing

What is Sexual Assault in Florida Law?

In Florida, sexual assault is legally defined as any sexual activity where consent is not or cannot be given, such as in cases of rape, attempted rape, child molestation, and sexual harassment. The severity of the assault can vary, ranging from nonconsensual groping to forced sexual activity. Survivors of sexual assault may be eligible under Florida liability law to pursue damages by filing a civil lawsuit that names the offender and any other responsible parties as defendants. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we focus on complex sexual assault cases in which a business owner or another third-party entity can be held liable for failing to provide adequate security measures that would have prevented sexual assault and other crimes from harming guests, visitors, and patrons.

Civil Sexual Assault vs. Criminal Sexual Assault 

It's important to note that civil lawsuits are separate from criminal proceedings and can be pursued regardless of the outcome of the criminal case. Even if your sexual abuser is found not guilty in criminal court, you may still seek compensation in a civil case. Furthermore, if the sexual abuser is never identified, you may still be able to file a claim against any business, institution, or party that should have taken reasonable steps to stop such attacks but failed to do so through an act of negligent security.

Recovering Damages in a Civil Sexual Assault Claim

In a civil sexual assault lawsuit, like those filed against a property owner that provided inadequate security, survivors can seek compensation for various losses or damages. Our Jacksonville lawyers can evaluate your claim and identify all available damages, including financial losses (economic damages), non-financial losses (non-economic damages), and punitive damages, which may be awarded in rare cases to punish defendants for egregious forms of negligent security. 

Some examples of damages in sexual assault lawsuits include: 

• Medical expenses: Medical costs associated with immediate and ongoing medical treatment following the assault, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and psychiatric therapy sessions may be demanded through legal action.
• Future medical expenses: If the sexual assault resulted in injuries that require ongoing medical care or therapy, anticipated medical costs may be included.
• Lost wages: If you had to take time off work due to the assault, whether for recovery or legal proceedings, you can be compensated for any lost income.
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injuries or psychological trauma from the assault prevented you from working or forced you to adjust your employment, we can help you seek damages for loss of earning capacity. 
• Pain and suffering: It is important to not overlook the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the sexual assault. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other related conditions can all be factored into non-economic damages.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Your diminished ability to enjoy life due to the traumatization and pain caused by the assault may be calculated as non-economic damage. For example, if you struggle with intimacy with your partner due to PTSD caused by sexual assault, it is reasonable to say that your enjoyment of life has been unfairly reduced.

Trust In Decades of Proven Results & Record-Breaking Verdicts

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is committed to helping sexual assault survivors take the first step toward healing by using the civil court system to demand justice and compensation from those who hurt them, including property owners who failed to protect them. We understand that the severe injuries and psychological effects that sexual assault inflicts cannot be undone, but legal action might be necessary for you to find a way to move forward. Our Jacksonville sexual assault attorneys offer trusted representation and compassionate support for survivors of sexual assault who are ready to speak their truth. We aren’t afraid to stand up to large corporations or government entities if it means standing up for justice!

If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual violence, contact us online or call (904) 295-1050 to discuss your case during a free and confidential consultation.