Columbia Crime Victim Attorney
While seeing a perpetrator get convicted can provide a sense of closure for victims of a crime, the criminal justice process does not provide financial relief for the effects of criminal conduct. For victims of violent crimes, including shootings, these effects can be severe. From medical expenses and missed time from work to physical pain and suffering and emotional trauma, many crime victims face consequences every day for the rest of their lives.
In cases of shootings and other crimes, victims can seek financial compensation by filing a civil claim for damages. Unlike a criminal case where a prosecutor pursues charges on behalf of the state, a civil case involves filing a lawsuit against the perpetrator or some other third party. And, unlike a criminal case where the result may be jail time and fines payable to the government, a successful civil case results in an award of just compensation, payable to the victim of the crime. Contact Columbia crime victim attorney Marc Brown today.
How an Attorney Can Help
In order to file a successful civil claim, you will need to hire an attorney to represent you. Civil cases involving the financial and non-financial consequences of criminal conduct are complicated. In most cases, they do not involve filing a lawsuit against the criminal directly. Instead, most cases involve claims against business and property owners, and they seek compensation on the grounds that the business or property owner failed to take adequate measures to prevent criminal conduct on its premises.
Attorney Marc Brown represents crime victims in Columbia, South Carolina. He handles cases involving all types of crimes resulting in serious and fatal injuries. This includes representing victims of:
- Shootings
- Rapes and sexual assaults
- Assault and battery
- Other violent crimes
If you were shot or assaulted on someone else’s property, it is important that you seek help right away. This includes seeking medical attention and speaking with an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will need to conduct an investigation in order to determine whether the owner of the business or property where you were injured is liable, and this investigation needs to be conducted before critical evidence disappears. If you have waited to seek help, it may not be too late. But it is now even more important that you speak with an Columbia crime victims lawyer immediately.
Negligent Security: A Common Factor In Violent Crimes
In civil cases seeking just compensation for shootings and other violent crimes, one of the most common claims is that the owner of the business or property where the crime occurred provided negligent security. Under South Carolina law, business and property owners have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to protect their customers and guests, and they can be held liable for damages when they fail to do so. Examples of negligent security include the failure to:
- Hire an adequate number of security guards
- Install adequate lighting or fix broken lights
- Install and maintain gates, fences, locks, or other access controls
- Conduct adequate background checks of employees or residents
- Enforce appropriate safety policies and procedures
Attorney Marc Brown represents victims of shootings and other crimes in negligent security cases against all types of businesses and property owners in Columbia and the surrounding areas. This includes cases against:
- Apartment complexes and condominiums
- Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Hotels and motels
- Entertainment venues
- Gas stations
- Stores, malls, and shopping centers
- Colleges, universities, and other schools
- Parking garages
- Other businesses and commercial properties
Police Shootings: A Criminal Use of Excessive Force
While the police are justified in using lethal force in some circumstances, there are far more circumstances in which it is illegal for a police officer to shoot at a suspect or discharge a firearm in public. Unlawful police shootings constitute the use of excessive force and violate the victim’s civil rights. In addition to handling negligent security cases against private businesses and property owners, Mr. Brown also represents individuals and families in civil cases against state and local law enforcement agencies.
Schedule a Free, Confidential Consultation with Crime Victim Claims Attorney Marc Brown
If you are a crime victim or if you have tragically lost a loved one due to a shooting or other violence in South Carolina, Columbia crime victims attorney, Marc Brown can help you seek just compensation. To get started with a free and confidential consultation, call (803) 848-0008 or contact us online today. We handle all cases on a contingency-fee-basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
