The Legal Herald
Woman in Charlotte Apartment Complex Parking Lot Allegedly Kidnapped and Sexually Assaulted. (Fox46Charlotte.com)
Did a security failure contribute to this unconscionable Charlotte apartment complex sexual assault and are justice and compensation available to the victim? Read Our Legal Take below to find out what legal options are available.
LOCAL NEWS
A woman was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted at a Charlotte, North Carolina apartment complex, early Saturday morning, June 22, 2019.
According to Fox46Charlotte.com, “[a]round 2 a.m. on June 22, [a] teen approached a woman in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Rebecca Bailey Road.” Per the report, “[t]he suspect forced his way into the victim’s car and made her to go to several locations before he [sexually assaulted] her.” CharlotteObserver.com is reporting, “The victim escaped from the suspect near the intersection of North Tryon Street and University City Boulevard…but the assailant took her car.” The victim immediately reported the assault to CMPD, and police were able to spot the suspect, but he got away after a pursuit. The victim was treated at a hospital according to the media reports.
According to Fox46Charlotte.com, “[o]n Monday, June 24, the suspect was found and taken into custody. He’s charged with three counts of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of first-degree sex offense.” The investigation is ongoing.
OUR LEGAL TAKE
Residents and guests of apartment complexes have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises. The level of security provided at the apartment complex is of significance, and is a relevant consideration when analyzing whether this reported sexual assault may have been prevented. The following questions are also important in assessing whether this incident may have been avoided:
- Have there been prior incidents of violence or assault on property?
- How did the assailant gain entry to the property?
- What security measures, such as gated-entry, fencing, surveillance cameras, and security patrols, were in place to deter crime and protect the victim and residents at the time of the assault?
Property owners are generally required to protect against foreseeable harm to anyone and everyone legally on the premises. Should the investigation into this incident reveal facts that establish that the apartment complex owner or management lacked adequate security to protect its residents and visitors and residents, the victim may seek justice and elect to pursue legal claims and substantial compensation for her injuries and suffering.
The Murray Law Firm has extensive and successful experience in handling security negligence claims on behalf of victims and their families, and suggests that an immediate, unbiased inspection of the property will need to be performed so as to limit evidence from being altered, damaged or destroyed. The complexities of pursuing a negligent security case are well understood by the legal team at The Murray Law Firm, and it is imperative that the victim retain a capable law firm who will work without delay to protect their interests.
OUR RESULTS: OVER $100 MILLION IN VERDICTS AND SETTLEMENTS FOR OUR CLIENTS
The Murray Law Firm has a long history of representing victims of sexual violence and security negligence. We have obtained over $100 Million in verdicts and settlements for our Clients, including 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.
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