Business establishments in New York are responsible for the safety and well-being of their patrons. In hotels, clubs or restaurants, customers should be free of any situation that may result in danger. Unfortunately, some business establishments fail to carry out their obligations as numerous incidents of premises liability have occurred in Manhattan and nearby areas.
In South Florida, where many New Yorkers spend their precious leisure time, a New Jersey couple’s vacation turned into a hellish experience for the woman. The couple’s federal lawsuit states that the woman was mistaken for a prostitute at their hotel, and was attacked by prostitutes who thought of her as competition. The 34-year-old woman asserts that a group of women whom she believes are prostitutes assaulted her in the lobby of the hotel as she and her husband returned from a night out.
The suit said that hotel staff failed to restrain the attackers and allegedly helped them flee by escorting them to a taxi. Supposedly, the hotel has knowledge of past violent incidents and failed to take action to protect the guests. The lawsuit is charging the hotel with premises liability, assault, loss of consortium, and negligence. The apparent victim is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.
An establishment’s inadequate security may gravely endanger the lives of its guests. In this case, the woman suffered a bruised elbow and knee as well as a cut to her lip. Since she was allegedly tackled and slammed into a wall of granite, she may have sustained other injuries as well.
If a New Yorker is victimized by a negligent property owner, the victim may exercise his or her legal rights and file a lawsuit. The suit may award the victim invaluable compensation, which can lessen the financial burden caused by medical expenses and other related costs. However, filing a lawsuit may be challenging on one’s own, so it is advisable to consult a legal professional with knowledge in that particular area. Local attorneys are best able to assist a personal injury victim through the intricacies of the legal proceedings. The legal professional may also build an effective strategy that may ultimately result in fair compensation.
Source: CBS New York, “N.J. woman says she was beaten after being mistaken for a prostitute,” June 4, 2013
