Navigating Legal Rights After a Crime – Top Tips

Whether you are traveling in Florida as a housesitter or you live there navigating legal rights after a crime you experience can be a nightmare. Take care and get help. The laws in particular in a state like Florida can be complex and you are best to get advice to ensure you don’t fall foul of the law yourself even as the victim of crime. Read on to learn more.

Navigating Legal Rights After a Violent Crime Injury in Tampa

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Tampa has some great neighborhoods catering to just about every lifestyle. The Florida city is also ranked as one of the safest places to live. Even though Tampa has the second-lowest violent crime rate among comparable cities, it doesn’t mean incidents don’t happen. 

Get Help When Navigating Legal Rights

While Florida criminal laws take care of punishing offenders with hefty fines and jail time, it doesn’t address your financial damages. You may be dealing with medical costs, along with a host of other damages. The Sunshine State does allow victims of violent crimes to recover compensation but there’s a process you must follow.

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Victims of Violent Crimes May Be Able to Recover Compensation

The Sunshine State isn’t going to stop victims of violent crimes from filing a personal injury claim against the individual responsible for their damages. A personal injury claim isn’t the same as a criminal case. You’re filing a civil complaint against the defendant. Even if the defendant has been sentenced in a criminal proceeding, you shouldn’t have an issue moving forward with your injury claim.

However, before you can file an injury claim you’re going to need to establish negligence. This is usually relatively easy but you may still need help when navigating legal rights. You’re showing the defendant owes you a duty of care and they violated this duty. The defendant’s actions, in this case, the violent assault, are a clear breach of duty. Usually, your official accident report is enough to establish fault.

With that being said, sometimes victims of violent crimes are dealing with multiple liable parties. While this can complicate your injury claim, it’s nothing an experienced Tampa accident attorney can’t handle.

Who Can Be Liable in a Tampa Violent Crime Injury Claim?

Even though the person who commits the violent crime is typically the primary defendant, others can also be liable for your damages. This can be good news for your injury claim. Most criminal defendants don’t have the financial resources to cover your awarded compensation amount. Being able to name other parties as defendants in your violent crime injury claim can help ensure you can recover at least some compensation.

• Property Owners and Businesses: The Sunshine State’s premises liability law lets accident victims hold property owners and businesses liable when they fail to implement adequate security measures aimed at deterring violent crimes. Some examples of potentially liable parties can include apartment complexes, hotels, shopping centers, parking lots, and bars.
• Employers and Institutions: You may be able to hold the defendant’s employer responsible if an assault occurs due to their negligent hiring, training, or supervision. This can be crucial in injury claims involving security personnel, rideshare drivers, and caretakers.
• Government Entities: While government agencies typically have sovereign immunity, exceptions can apply. If the entity isn’t providing adequate security or properly maintaining public spaces, and this contributes to your attack, you may be able to name the government as a liable party.

Recovering Compensation from Florida’s Crime Victim Program

Your personal injury claim can cover some, most, or all of your damages. Your compensation amount typically depends on your ability to establish fault and the severity of your injuries. However, even if you win your injury claim there’s no guarantee you’ll actually see any financial compensation. Most criminal defendants simply can’t pay any court-awarded settlement amounts.

If your violent crime injury claim names multiple liable parties, your chances are a little better at seeing some compensation. The Sunshine State doesn’t limit violent crime victims to simply going through the personal injury claim process. You can also apply for financial assistance through the Florida Crime Victims Compensation Program.

You may be able to receive financial assistance for things like your medical bills and counseling sessions. Violent crimes are frightening and it’s not uncommon for victims to suffer some mental health conditions like PTSD. The state-managed program can also help cover funeral expenses if the violent crime results in a fatality. Something to keep in mind is program funds are limited. 

While you’ll probably qualify for something, you’re probably not going to receive enough to cover all of your medical expenses. However, combined with your personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to receive enough to cover all of your expenses.

Don’t Go Through a Violent Crime Lawsuit in Florida Alone

Tampa may be a pretty safe city but violent crimes still happen. Take care when navigating legal rights.  If you’re the victim of a violent crime, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you don’t want to take on the legal system on your own. Let a Tampa personal injury lawyer handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering from the violent crime.