Public Service Announcements Archives

April 24, 2018

Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

https://www.legal-chronicle.com/files/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-24-at-11.26.29-PM.png

(City of West Hollywood)

Nightclubs are often targets for criminal activity given late hours of operation and the (frequent) presence of alcohol. By law, bar and nightclub owners are required to protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm. The City of West Hollywood also urges patrons to practice safety precautions to protect themselves from potential predators.

Sexual Assault Prevention Safety Tips

Never accept a drink from anyone except the bartender and watch your drink being mixed.
Never leave your drink unattended.
Never leave a bar or club with someone you have just met.
Avoid neighborhood danger zones: dark parking lots, alleys, walk ways with tall shrubs, walls, and fences.
Move away from unsafe situations if you feel threatened.

Read more safety practices here.

Best Safety Practices for Nighttime Establishments

Although a sexual assault may not occur within a nightlife establishment itself, management and employees can help prevent their premises from being exploited by sexual predators who may seek to take advantage of vulnerable patrons . Alcohol consumption can be a strong contributing factor to the loss of judgment and failure to perceive danger, which can lead to a tragedy.

Employees should be attuned to behavior that seems overly familiar, aggressive or seductive under the circumstances, especially if the potential victim is visibly intoxicated or seems to be impaired.

Read more best practices here.

Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

If you are a victim of sexual assault get help. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis center. If possible, save your clothes, don’t shower or brush teeth, & seek medical attention immediately. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty, and don’t just try to forget about it. If you have a lapse of memory, or wake up in a strange place and feel you might have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact a local law enforcement agency immediately. Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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.

April 23, 2018

Can Victims of Laundromat Shooting Seek Justice, Compensation?

by The Murray Law Firm

https://www.legal-chronicle.com/files/2018/04/Screen-Shot-2018-04-23-at-9.41.55-PM-300x220.png

(KRQE)

A deadly shooting outside an Albuquerque laundromat tragically claimed the life of Cody Fair Saturday, April 14, 2018, per KRQE reports.

The incident underscores the critical need for all parking lot and laundromat owners to provide a safe and secure premises for their patrons.

Industry experts with Coinomatic urge laundromat owners to take a proactive approach to customer and employee safety by:

Communicating with local law enforcement and business owners and monitoring crime mapping sites
Installing surveillance cameras and alarm systems
Keeping windows unobstructed and premises (inside and out) brightly lit
Implementing a credit card or smart card laundry vending system to reduce cash flow on property
Providing employees workplace violence training

Patron Rights and Property Owner Responsibility

Parking lot and laundromat patrons have a right to be safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment that they are visiting. By law, property owners have a duty to protect patrons from any foreseeable harm.

Laundromat owners are encouraged to implement property security precautions and preventative measures, such as those outlined above, to protect patrons and reduce property violence, injuries and deaths.

April 20, 2018

Parking Facility Security Failure? Victims May Seek Justice, Compensation

by The Murray Law Firm

ParkingSafety-199x300 The National Institute of Justice warns, parking facilities are often targets for crime as they frequently “comprise a large area with relatively low levels of activity” and inherent security challenges. As such, the NIJ urges parking lot and garage owners to incorporate crime prevention into facility design.

Lighting: Does the facility meet required illuminance standards, providing adequate, uniform lighting?

Natural Surveillance: Does the facility provide an open facade, high ceilings, and adequate lighting to allow patrons to easily observe their surroundings?

Stair Towers and Elevators: Are stair and elevator waiting areas open to the exterior and/or the parking areas? Are potential hiding places below stairs closed off?

Access Control: Does the facility employ security screening and/or fencing at points of low activity to discourage anyone from entering the facility on foot while maintaining openness and natural surveillance?

Signs and Graphics: Do signs and graphics (such as color coding and unique memory aids) orient patrons to move quickly in and out of the facility, making them less vulnerable to attack?

Panic Buttons and Emergency Phones: Are panic bars and emergency phones located in elevators, lobbies, stairs and parking areas?

Security Personnel: Is there a visible presence of uniformed officers? Do officers frequently patrol the facility, varying their routes and schedule?

Victims of Parking Facility Violence: Know Your Rights

Parking lot and parking garage patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking garage owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a parking facility owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent gas station security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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.

April 17, 2018

Victim of Gas Station Security Negligence: Do I Need an Attorney?

by The Murray Law Firm

ParkingLotSafetySign-240x300 Gas stations are often targets for criminal activity due to (frequently) late hours of operation, accessibility to major roadways, and vulnerable patrons.

OSHA warns, late-night retail businesses, such as gas stations and convenience stores, “are prone to robberies.” As such, gas station owners are urged to “reduce their risk by improving visibility and surveillance, controlling customers’ access, and limiting the availability of cash.”

Such measures could include:

Limiting window signs to low or high locations and keeping shelving low so that workers can see incoming customers and so that police can observe what is occurring from the outside of the store;

Ensuring the customer service and cash register areas are visible from outside the establishment;

Placing curved mirrors at hallway intersections or concealed areas;

Maintaining adequate lighting inside and outside the establishment;

Installing video surveillance equipment and closed circuit TV to increase the likelihood of identification of perpetrators;

Using door detectors so that workers are alerted when someone enters the store;

Having height markers on exit doors to help witnesses provide more accurate descriptions of assailants;

Installing and regularly maintaining alarm systems and other security devices, panic buttons, handheld alarms or noise devices, cellular phones and private channel radios where risk is apparent or may be anticipated;

Arranging for a reliable response system when an alarm is triggered;

Installing fences and other structures to direct the flow of customer traffic into and around the store;

Controlling access to the store with door entry (buzzer) systems;

Installing physical barriers such as bullet-resistant enclosures with pass-through windows between customers and workers; and

Using drop safes to limit the availability of cash to cashiers and posting signs which state that cashiers have limited access to cash.

Victims of Gas Station Violence: Know Your Rights

Gas station patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, Georgia property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a gas station owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Additional security measures may include bright lighting, a security guard or off-duty police officer, surveillance cameras, and bulletproof pass-through windows for cash transactions. Should a gas station owner or manager fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent gas station security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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.

February 23, 2017

Nightclub Shooting Victim: Do I Need an Attorney?

by The Murray Law Firm

Nightclub Patron Rights and Owner Responsibility

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, nightclub owners and managers must protect their guests from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a nightclub owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect guests and deter such crime. Additional security measures may include weapons screenings, bright parking lot lighting, security patrols, crowd management training, and surveillance cameras. Should a nightclub owner or manager fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

I am the Victim of a Nightclub Shooting. Should I Hire an Attorney that has Telephoned Me or Contacted Me Directly?

The American Bar Association Rule 7.3 states that a lawyer “shall not” contact a prospective Client through a “live telephone” or an “in-person” visit. If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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.

January 4, 2017

Are Nightclub Surveillance Cameras Necessary? Protecting Patrons by Deterring Crime

by The Murray Law Firm

Nightclub and bar owners are required by law to protect patrons from any foreseeable harm. This critical responsibility is a challenge for any venue serving alcohol, which often contributes to violence and criminal activity. As such, nightclub owners and managers need to implement proactive security measures to protect their patrons and deter crime.

December 16, 2016

Take the Pledge Together! Teens, Parents Pledge to Drive Phone-Free

by The Murray Law Firm

https://www.legal-chronicle.com/files/2016/12/Screen-Shot-2016-12-21-at-1.58.34-PM-220x300.png

(distraction.gov)

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens, according to the NHTSA and DOT. Tragically, every one of these losses is preventable. We urge parents and teens to join the fight to end distracted driving by making the pledge to drive phone-free together.

Simply visit distraction.gov to download the pledge, build one another’s trust and save lives.

Distracted driving kills and injures thousands of people each year. I pledge to:

Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.

Download The Pledge Here!

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families devastated by distracted drivers. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. 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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888.842.1616

December 5, 2016

3 Steps to Improve Bar and Nightclub Safety

by The Murray Law Firm

BouncerSunglasses The Murray Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for victims of nightclub security negligence and their families. More importantly, we help these victims and their families obtain the justice they deserve. The tragic common denominator behind all of these cases is that they may have been prevented with proper venue security and safety precautions.

Nightclub & Bar magazine has published “Keep Your Bar Safe with These 3 Steps,” highlighted below. We urge nightclub owners to learn from these tips and be proactive in creating a safe and secure atmosphere for their patrons.

1. Security Starts at the Front Door: Strong lead doormen are vital for maintaining a safe environment for guests. Strong in this context refers to more than physical strength. Doormen must also be mentally strong enough to refuse entry to potential troublemakers. This sounds much easier than it is in reality. Strong security staff members know how to refuse entry to troublemakers and diffuse potential altercations with people who believe they are entitled to enter your venue.

2. Actively Engage and Neutralize Threats: Strong security personnel do not wait for trouble to begin before they intervene…. Security staff are constantly scanning the environment, communicating with guests and other members of the security team, and identifying potential threats as the night is underway.

3. Work with Local Law Enforcement: Strong security staff know the local police and gang suppression teams, and work to build good relations with them. Sometimes, all it takes is a text message sent to a local police officer to get a known gang-affiliated person who the security staff cannot and should not attempt to confront removed from the premises.

December 1, 2016

Mall Shoppers Face Distracted Drivers, Parking Lot Crime

by The Murray Law Firm

ParkingLotSafetySign Shopping mall patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on premises, whether shopping or walking to their car.

AAA Mid-Atlantic warns, shoppers face an increased risk of distracted drivers and parking lot crime during the busy holiday season. They have released a list of parking lot safety guidelines for drivers, pedestrians and shoppers:

Stay on guard in parking lots. Be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas when shopping during early morning hours and at night. When returning to your vehicle, have keys ready in hand, check under your car and in the back seat before getting in, and lock your doors as soon as you get in. Watch for loiterers and report suspicious people.
See and be seen. Use your headlights when scouring parking garages for spaces, even in the daytime. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUVs or minivans where it might be hard for you to back out of the space. If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.
Slow down, buckle up and obey the laws. Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs, don’t park in spaces designated for disabled persons, and don’t text and/or talk on the phone. Ensure all passengers are buckled up even if it is a short trip to another part of the parking lot, as even a low-speed collision can result in injuries.
Refrain from reverse. If possible, avoid backing out of a space by either backing into it or pulling through two spaces that are open nose-to-nose.
Look out for children and distracted pedestrians. It can be difficult to see small children in busy parking lots, who may make quick, unpredictable movements. Hold the hands of your children to keep them safe from traffic. Also, watch out for those focused on their smartphones.
Stay on track and alert. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks, if available. If walking in the traffic lanes is unavoidable, be alert for subtle cues — including exhaust or reverse lights — that signal a vehicle is about to pull out.
Lock your car and hide valuables. Thieves like to window shop. Place all shopping bags and valuables in the trunk, including the GPS and its mount, and always lock your car. Remove any evidence, such as GPS suction cup marks from the vehicle’s windshield. It takes a thief just seconds to smash a window and steal your shopping loot.

Read the complete list of safety tips at WTOP News.

Shopping Mall Patron Rights

Shopping mall and parking lot owners have a responsibility to protect patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should they fail in this duty, victims may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for any injuries or wrongful deaths, which occur as a consequence.

We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Security and Safety Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame Fox News Fire The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of property security and safety negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained 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.