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Experienced Crime Victim Lawyers
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In Florida, when someone is arrested and charged with a criminal act such as assault, battery, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI), it is the state attorney’s job to prosecute the perpetrator. If the criminal defendant is found guilty and must pay a fine or serve jail time (or both), the victim may recover some compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, but not for pain and suffering,
personal injuries, and other damages caused by the criminal act.
Therefore, the victim of a criminal act or attack in Florida may initiate a private (civil) tort action against the criminal perpetrator. While it may be difficult to collect a judgment against a criminal defendant who has little to no income or assets, some may, in fact, have the means to pay.
In addition, insurance coverage may be available in some cases, along with payment by other third parties who are required to share responsibility for paying for the victim’s injuries and other damages. Some examples include:
Accidents Involving Drunk Driving
If a drunk driver has auto insurance, that insurance will typically cover the crime victim’s injuries in drunk driving car accidents, even though the defendant knowingly drove while intoxicated.
Negligent Security
Under Florida law, where a crime was committed on a business or rental property such as a hotel, store, parking garage, or apartment building, the business owner and/or landlord may be liable for the victim’s damages for negligently maintaining the premises or failing to take appropriate measures to prevent foreseeable criminal activity. These measures may include hiring security guards, installing security cameras, or ensuring proper lighting throughout the property.
Additionally, if the crime was committed by an employee who was on duty at the time of the crime, the employer may be liable for improperly screening or otherwise negligently hiring that employee.
Together, the crime victim attorneys at PERENICH The Law Firm have more than 70 years of experience in helping crime victims in the Tampa Bay area recover compensation and damages for injuries caused by careless, reckless, or intentional criminal acts.
Contact our experienced crim victim lawyers to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices conveniently located throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs and New Port Richey.