Religious Organization Liability for Crime Victims in Florida

Speaking about religious organizations and crimes, it’s hard to keep the conversation out of controversy. Commenting on religious organizations could potentially hurt feelings of many devoted believers, but we can’t put aside the fact that there are many accusations for crimes on their watch.

In case you or your loved ones have been victim of crimes committed at a religious organization in Florida, it might be best to talk to our Florida crime victim injury attorneys at Wolfson & Leon. Our consultations are free, and we never charge a fee unless and until we make a recovery for you. Call us at (305) 285-1115 for your confidential and free consultation.

Even if the criminal offender hasn’t been convicted yet, you can claim damages against the religious organization under Florida law. Religious organizations owe duty of care for all the visitors of their premises, which means they must undertake all the reasonable and necessary steps for securing a safe environment for the events and services that take place at their property. If they breach this duty, they can be liable for the consequences, including paying for your harms and losses. However, the crime should be reasonably foreseeable, meaning that not all crimes may qualify. To make sure if your case qualifies for damages recovery by them, call our Florida victim rights attorneys and we’ll help you understand your legal options.

The most common crimes that could occur at religious organization premises include sexual assaults, armed robberies, battery, shootings, even vehicle crimes when someone from the organization is the perpetrator. These lead to severe physical and emotional damages. You may hold religious organizations liable if something of the following failures happen:

• Failure to reasonably anticipate crimes. With so many accusations on religious organizations’ account and so many children entrusted in ministries, it’s unlikely to fail to anticipate possible crimes.
• Failure to conduct criminal and thorough background checks of clergy, ministers, priests, rabbis or any worker including security guards.
• Failure to conduct proper screenings of volunteers including coaches and servers. Screening other than criminal checks are necessary.
• Negligent supervision of priests and security guards.
• Failure to hire security guards.
• Negligence by security guards.
• Failure to have a proper security plan in place.
• Failure to have the grounds properly secured
• Failure to have proper lighting on the grounds

Confronting a religious organization can be a David-against-Goliath battle. They are strong, they have great connections and lots of money to spend in protecting their reputation. If you or your loved ones have suffered a personal injury because of a crime at religious organization premises in Florida, Call our Florida crime victim attorneys. This is not a fight you want to do alone, by yourself. That’s what the religious organization, just like any corporate defendant, would like you to do, though.

We understand the sensitivity that is involved with religious organizations and potential crimes that may have been committed against you. The important factor to remember is that regardless of where you are or what group you are associating with, a crime is a crime. When you are the victim of a crime, that is someone else’s choice, not yours. At Wolfson & Leon, we can provide you with full legal representation for your personal injuries and losses as a crime victim. We will stand by your side and lead the charge to get the justice you deserve. We will never be intimidated by any defendant whether it is corporate or religious. We will handle your case to it’s just conclusion whether it be a settlement, trial or appeal.

Call us today and let’s discuss your case. You can reach us 24/7 at (305) 285-1115. We proudly serve throughout the state of Florida including Miami, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, Hialeah, South Miami, Kendall, Sunrise, Weston, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Naples, Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tallahassee.