Customers have the right to feel safe when visiting restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and other businesses. When sexual assault occurs on business premises, it is often the result of inadequate security measures, poor lighting, isolated areas without surveillance, or other examples of negligence. Business owners who ignore safety risks or fail to implement reasonable protective measures may be held legally responsible for attacks that occur on their property.
Kansas City Businesses Have a Duty to Provide a Safe Environment
Property owners and business operators throughout Kansas City owe their customers what’s known as a duty of care. This legal obligation requires them to maintain reasonably safe premises and take appropriate steps to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
This duty extends beyond simply fixing broken stairs or cleaning up spills. Business owners must also consider criminal activity that could reasonably occur on their property. If they know or should know about specific risks—such as previous incidents in the area, inadequate lighting, or unsecured access points—they are required to take reasonable steps to address these dangers.
Situations Where a Business Is Liable for Sexual Abuse
When businesses fail to meet their duty of care, they can face legal liability for sexual assault that occurs on their premises. Several scenarios can lead to claims against negligent property owners, such as the following:
- Inadequate Security Measures: Businesses located in high-crime areas or those that have experienced previous incidents must implement appropriate security measures. This includes proper lighting, surveillance cameras, security personnel, and controlled access to isolated areas.
- Negligent Hiring and Supervision: When employees commit sexual assault, businesses may be held responsible if they failed to conduct proper background checks, ignored red flags during hiring, or did not adequately supervise staff members with access to vulnerable customers.
- Ignoring Previous Complaints: If a business receives reports about inappropriate behavior from employees or recurring safety issues but fails to investigate or take corrective action, it can be liable when subsequent assaults occur.
- Dangerous Physical Conditions: Poorly lit parking areas, broken locks, secluded areas without surveillance, or inadequate barriers between customer and employee areas can create opportunities for assault that businesses should have prevented.
Vicarious Liability for Employee Sexual Misconduct
Under the doctrine of vicarious liability, Kansas City injury attorneys explain that businesses can be held responsible for their employees’ harmful actions when those actions occur within the scope of employment. If an employee sexually assaults a customer while working, the business may face liability even if management had no direct knowledge of the employee’s intentions. This can include situations where employees use their access to customers, their trusted role, or company resources to commit an act of violence.
Fight for Justice with a Kansas City Sexual Abuse Attorney
Businesses have a legal obligation to protect their customers, and when they fail in this duty, they must be held accountable. A sexual abuse lawyer in Kansas City will thoroughly investigate your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let negligent businesses escape responsibility for failing to protect their customers—contact an attorney today to discuss your case and take your first steps toward justice.