The Legal Chronicle
(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.