Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Law Enforcement and Protection

my Son and his friend were attacked by a by a gang of 50 they sought refuge with in a building that had a sheriff and security personal on hand. The officers also let in the mob that was chasing them which resulted in my sons beating and 3 days in ICU. What were my sons rights in requesting protection? I contacted the proper authorities in order to file a report, was told that I had to wait a certain number of days to do so. If this was a case of assult, don't the officers on sight have to file a report? If a report was filed by the Officers involved are we entitled to that information or at least the case number. Are the organizers of the event in any way responsible for the safty of of the people attending the event and nofity the general public that a similar assult took place less than one week prior to the beating that my son suffered?


Asked on 7/10/05, 12:51 pm

4 Answers from Attorneys

OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATES

Re: Law Enforcement and Protection

A event organizer is liable for failure to protect against foreseeable criminal acts. Call me directly at (619) 222-3504.

Read more
Answered on 7/26/05, 5:48 pm
David Lupoff Law Offices of David B. Lupoff

Re: Law Enforcement and Protection

There are a lot of missing facts in your question that would have to be addressed prior to giving you a clear answer. First, the holder of the event is liable for the reasonable security for foreseeable criminal acts. However, a person being hunted down by a huge gang of criminals at an event is probably not a foreseeable crime and thus would not pass the reasonable security test. Of course, there are factors which must be explored to determine if your son has a case against the holder of the event:

What type of event was held? Was this a rap concert or a church gathering?

Did security summons for help at the time? It is not reasonable to expect one sheriff and a security guard to stop a group of 50 gang bangers from chasing you son into an event of sort.

What was the police response time, etc.?

Perhaps the event is responsible. I will be glad to explore this further with you should you decide to proceed against the event holder.

As far as the police report goes, stay in touch with the head detective and you should be able to eventually get a copy of the police report.

Best regards,

David Lupoff, Esq.

818.943.0462

Read more
Answered on 7/26/05, 6:54 pm
Aaron Davis Law Office of Aaron M. Davis

Re: Law Enforcement and Protection

While it is not entirely clear from your email what type of event your son was attending, as a general rule, an event organizer is responsible for providing security, and you may be able to recover damages for your son's injuries, medical bills and other amounts if the organizer or its employees, including security guards unreasonably failed to act.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me directly at (415) 522-5200

Read more
Answered on 7/28/05, 5:16 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Law Enforcement and Protection

With prior problems at similar events, the organizers could be liable. The only way you will get compensation for the damages is to bring a claim against them. Claims against the police are tougher, but could be brought for dereliction of their duty to protect him under the circumstances. You haven't even said what injuries and medical damages are claimed; if they are substantial, then it would be worth pursuing. Contact me if interested in doing this right.

Read more
Answered on 7/29/05, 9:13 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in California