Victims of Violent Crime in The Bronx: Legal Help for Your Recovery

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a crime in the Bronx, you are not alone. Crime can leave deep physical and emotional scars. Whether you were hurt during a robbery, assault, shooting, sexual assault, or another type of crime, you might feel overwhelmed. But there is hope. You have legal rights, and you might be able to get compensation to help you recover.

Michael J. McConnell is a New York personal injury attorney who is here to help victims of violent crime in the Bronx who have been seriously injured or killed. He understands how tough it can be after a crime. As a former criminal prosecutor in Manhattan, he has experience dealing compassionately with victims of crime while ensuring that wrongdoers are brought to justice and held accountable.

For a free case evaluation, contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today:

Crime in The Bronx: What the Numbers Say

Before we talk about how a personal injury attorney can help some victimized by violent crime in the Bronx, let’s look at some important statistics to understand the crime situation in the Bronx.

  • Violent Crime Rates: The Bronx has a higher violent crime rate than many other areas in New York state. According to the FBI, the Bronx sees a high number of aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides each year.
  • Trend: While crime rates can fluctuate, it’s clear that many people in the Bronx face the harsh consequences of these crimes every day. Victims often need both support and legal help to recover.

If you’ve been affected by crime in the Bronx, you’re not just a statistic. You’re someone who deserves support and justice. The law is here to help you fight back.

Can I Sue if I was a Victim of a Crime in the Bronx?

Victims of crime can bring a civil lawsuit to get compensation. This is different than a criminal prosecution that results after an arrest by the police.

In a criminal prosecution, the person arrested may face criminal charges. If they are proved guilty of those charges or accept a plea deal, they might go to prison as punishment.

In a civil lawsuit, the criminal can be sued individually but it is sometimes possible to sue someone else whose negligence caused the crime to occur such as a:

  • Landlord
  • Business (bar, hotel, nightclub, fast-food restaurant, movie theatre, shopping mall, etc.)
  • Hospital
  • Property owner
  • Security company
  • New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)
  • College
  • School

Unlike the purpose of a criminal prosecution (which is punishment through jail or prison time), the purpose of a lawsuit is to get financial compensation.

Both types of cases have important roles, but it is important to know the key difference in their purpose so that crime victims know their rights. There are many instances where a criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit happen at the same time. In other words, it doesn’t need to be one or the other – it can be both.

What Is a Crime Victim Lawsuit?

If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one because of a crime, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the person responsible but also businesses, property owners, and other entities.

These lawsuits are often called “personal injury claims.” You may have heard of them in the context of car accidents or slip-and-fall cases, but personal injury claims also apply when a crime hurts you.

In crime cases, the goal of a lawsuit is to get compensation for the damage done to you. This can include:

  • Medical bills: The cost of doctors, hospitals, and surgeries.
  • Lost wages: Money you lose if you can’t work because of your injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: The emotional and physical pain you have to live with after the crime.
  • Punitive damages: In some cases, extra money awarded to punish the person responsible for the crime.

Negligent Security: When Property Owners Don’t Protect You

One of the most common types of cases related to crime is called “negligent security.” This happens when a property owner or business does not provide enough security to protect people who are on their property.

For example, if someone was the victim of a crime in an apartment complex, they may be able to sue their landlord or another entity in charge of the building if their negligence led to the crime.

Similarly, a college student may be able to sue for a sexual assault on a college campus if the college negligently failed to protect students from a known sexual predator.

Here are some other common examples of negligent security:

  • Poor lighting: If a parking lot or building is too dark, it can make it easier for criminals to attack or rob people.
  • Lack of security personnel: If a business or apartment complex doesn’t have security guards or other protection, it can increase the risk of crimes happening.
  • Broken or missing locks: If doors, gates, or windows are broken and not fixed, it can allow criminals to enter easily.
  • Failure to monitor security cameras: If security cameras are broken or not being watched, a crime may happen without anyone noticing.

If you’ve been hurt in a crime because of negligent security, you may be able to hold the property owner responsible. A personal injury attorney will be able to investigate the situation, gather evidence, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Provide Compassionate Yet Aggressive Legal Representation for Victims of Violent Crime

Dealing with the aftermath of a crime can be scary and confusing. But working with an attorney can make all the difference. Here are several ways a personal injury attorney like Michael J. McConnell can people who have been seriously injured during a crime in the Bronx seek compensation:

1. Understanding What You’re Going Through and Experience with Crime Victims

As a former prosecutor, Michael J. McConnell saw firsthand how crime negatively impacts people’s lives. From misdemeanor assaults to domestic violence and all the way to robberies and violent stabbings, he has seen how these things can inflict lifelong physical and emotional trauma. It can be tough to feel safe again or to deal with the pain of an injury. During this incredibly difficult time, the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell will remain committed to standing by the side of crime victims by providing compassionate legal representation. 

2. Straightforward and Honest Communication

A core value of the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is the necessity of being direct and honest with clients from day one and throughout their case. This is best done by explaining someone’s legal options in simple, clear terms so that they can understand exactly what is happening with their case. No unnecessary legal jargon. No confusion. Just straightforward answers.

3. Aggressive Representation

When it comes to fighting for what is right, a personal injury lawyer cannot back down. They have to be tough. They have to be willing to fight the fight – even when things get tough. As a former prosecutor, Michael J. McConnell has experience handling tough cases. He also previously worked for many years at an insurance company and learned through that experience that insurance companies are generally most afraid of attorneys who are willing to go the distance for their clients.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Being the victim of a crime is an experience no one should have to go through. But if it happens to you, it’s important to know that you have rights. You have the right to be safe. You have the right to justice. And you have the right to compensation if you’ve been hurt.

Let us help you get the justice and support you need. Together, we can fight for your future.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you’ve been a victim of crime in the Bronx, it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner they can get to work gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation you deserve.

You don’t have to face this battle alone. Let us help you start your journey to recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer all of your questions, and discuss how we can help you get the justice you deserve.