Palm Beach Counties Sexual Assault Lawyers
Your Safety Matters, And Property Owners Have a Legal Duty to Protect It
When a sexual assault occurs on someone else’s property, whether it’s a hotel, condominium complex, parking garage, or gated community, it’s not only the perpetrator who may be responsible. If the owner or manager failed to take reasonable safety measures, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit for negligent security or premises liability.
At William Price, P.A., we help survivors take that step. These aren’t criminal prosecutions of the assailant; these are civil claims against third parties who neglected their duty to protect. We combine legal insight, trial experience, and compassion to fight for accountability and compensation. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Civil vs. Criminal: Different Purposes, Different Standards
- A criminal case seeks to punish the wrongdoer for violating the law, and is brought by the state.
- A civil case seeks to recover damages from parties whose negligence or misconduct contributed to your harm.
Even if criminal charges are filed (or even if no charges are filed), a civil lawsuit can hold property owners, management companies, or HOAs accountable when they failed to maintain safe premises. In civil cases, your attorney must prove the case by a “preponderance of the evidence” (i.e. more likely than not), a lower standard than in criminal law.
Defendants in these lawsuits might include:
- Hotels, motels, resorts
- Condominium or homeowners associations (HOAs)
- Apartment complexes or landlords
- Gated communities or residential complexes
- Event venues, clubs, bars
- Property management companies and security contractors
The key question is: Did they breach their duty to maintain reasonably safe premises?
When You May Be Able to Sue, Typical Scenarios & Liability Theories
You might have a valid civil claim if the assault occurred in a setting where the property owner or manager:
- Failed to provide adequate security (guards, surveillance, patrols)
- Did not maintain lighting, secure access points, locks, gates
- Hired or retained staff, contractors, or security personnel without proper screening or background checks
- Ignored prior incidents or warnings of suspicious behavior
- Did not adopt safety policies, training, or protocols for responding to threats
- Allowed uncontrolled or unauthorized access to secure areas
Legally, these failures might support claims of:
- Negligent security / premises liability
- Negligent hiring, retention, or supervision
- Negligent training
- Failure to warn or failure to act
- Gross negligence / willful misconduct (in more extreme cases)
Florida law and case precedent allow suit against entities that control or manage premises when foreseeable risks exist and reasonable security is lacking.
What You Can Recover (Damages)
Successful civil claims can compensate for:
- Medical and healthcare costs (past, present, future)
- Mental health care / counseling / psychiatric treatment
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages (in cases of especially reckless or egregious conduct)
- Additional costs like relocation, protective measures, or ongoing security
These claims allow survivors to seek justice and financial relief regardless of the outcome of any criminal case.
How We Build a Strong Case on Your Behalf
At William Price, P.A., we approach these sensitive cases methodically and thoughtfully. Our process typically includes:
- Confidential, Compassionate Consultation
We listen first , providing a safe, caring environment to understand your situation.
- Preservation & Investigation
We act quickly to preserve surveillance video, access logs, incident reports, staff records, and police reports before they can be altered or lost.
- Review of Policies & Incident History
We examine prior assaults or complaints, security protocols, staffing, risk reports, maintenance logs, and training.
- Expert Involvement
We retain security and forensic experts, engineers, and other specialists to help show how the defendant’s conduct fell below standard.
- Demand & Negotiation
We assemble a compelling demand package, seek fair settlements, and push for accountability.
- Litigation & Trial Preparation
If the defendant refuses reasonable resolution, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
- Support Through the Process
We understand the emotional, psychological, and logistical challenges survivors face. We handle communication with sensitivity, protect confidentiality, and keep you informed every step.
Why Choose William Price, P.A.?
When you’re deciding who will stand with you in a case of this magnitude, credentials, experience, and reputation matter. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar
William W. Price achieved board certification in civil trial law, recognizing his experience in courtroom advocacy (this is a rigorous specialty certification).
- Decades of Legal Experience & Florida Licensure Since 1980
We’ve practiced law in Florida for over 40 years and are also admitted in federal court in the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.
- Multiple Selections to Super Lawyers Over Many Years
We have been selected as a “Super Lawyer” repeatedly (2006–2007, 2016–2025) for excellence in his field.
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating
We have earned the highest peer review rating from Martindale‑Hubbell for legal skill and ethics.
Take Action Today, You Deserve Justice
If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted in a place that should have been safe, like a hotel, condo, common area, or managed property, and you believe negligence contributed, don’t wait.
Let William Price, P.A. help you understand your rights and begin a strong case for justice.
Call (561) 659-3212
Schedule your Free, Confidential Consultation
We’ll begin preserving evidence and investigating the property owner’s responsibility
You do not have to face this alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
In Palm Beach county
