Threatened by Supermarket Security Guard...

by Cheryl
(Los Angeles)

I was a consumer shopping at a major grocery store, when all of a sudden a security guard started (and continued) to harass me by following me around the store.

He soon cornered me in the store and made vile comments to me and threatened to beat me. For fear of being attacked I decided to run, as I proceeded to run he tripped me, causing both knees to be injured.

Can I file a claim against the supermarket due to the fact that their security guard threatened me and caused me to fall and injure my knees? Would I win? Thanks.

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 "Threatened by Supermarket Security Guard...":

Cheryl:

Even if the security guard suspected you of some nefarious conduct it does not give him a right to act in the manner in which he did.

From the facts you present it would appear the security guard, the security company he may have been employed by, and the grocery store itself may all be liable for the medical and out of pocket bills you sustained as a result of your injuries.

You may also be entitled to additional monies for the Pain and Suffering they inflicted upon you.

In some rare cases, if the court believes the actions of the guard were severely egregious, you may also be awarded Punitive Damages. In some cases Punitive Damages have resulted in jury awards of millions of dollars.

Be sure you do not sign anything nor speak with any representative of the grocery store, their insurance company and the security guard company and their insurance company until you are properly advised of your legal rights.

There are those cases which, by their very nature permit a person to represent themselves. Then there are those which do not. This is one which screams out for legal representation.

In almost all cases reputable and qualified Personal Injury Trial Attorneys will not charge any fee for an initial in-office visit. It would be in your best interests to seek legal advice immediately or as soon as is reasonably possibly.

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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