Assault in a Parking Lot, Can I Sue for Personal Injuries?

by Jabril
(Arlington, VA)

I was assaulted in the parking lot of hospital in Fairfax, VA. No security guard and no camera was set up, and no one helped to call the police.

I have knee and back injuries, not to mention the emotional trauma, and I missed 2 weeks of my job. I would like to sue the hospital for not providing security but I don't know if this will work. What do you think I should do?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Assault in a Parking Lot, Can I Sue for Personal Injuries?":

Most jurisdictions hold that a property owner is NOT liable for injuries such as this unless they knew or should have known that an attack was likely to occur there. The best way to prove knowledge is by showing a pattern of previous attacks in the parking lot.

If you want to hold them liable merely because you were attacked on their property, it probably will not work. However, if you can show that they were aware of previous incidences of violence which would have put them on "notice" then you may have a cause of action under a premises liability theory.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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