When you’ve suffered harm as a result of someone else’s criminal actions, the last thing you want to face is confusion about how to move forward with your legal case. Many crime victims feel overwhelmed when meeting with an attorney for the first time, unsure of what to expect or what information they’ll need to provide.
At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, our experienced attorneys have represented crime victims throughout Missouri for more than 20 years. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide compassionate, client-focused legal representation to help you hold wrongdoers accountable.
Essential Steps To Take After Being a Crime Victim
The actions you take in the hours and days following a criminal incident can have a lasting impact on both the criminal case and any civil claim for compensation. Here are the most important steps to protect your rights:
- Promptly report the incident to the police and on-site security. Creating an official record of the crime is essential for both criminal prosecution and civil litigation.
- Seek immediate medical treatment. Even if your injuries seem minor, getting evaluated by a medical professional documents your condition and ensures you receive proper care.
- Get the names and phone numbers of all witnesses. Eyewitness testimony can be crucial evidence in establishing what happened and who is responsible.
- Take photographs of the scene, if possible. Document lighting conditions, broken locks, missing security cameras, or other hazards that may have contributed to the crime.
- Take photographs of your injuries. Visual evidence of your physical harm strengthens your claim and preserves important details that may fade during recovery.
- Cooperate with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office. Your participation helps ensure the criminal is held accountable through the justice system.
What Not To Do After a Crime
Just as important as the steps you should take are the actions you should avoid. Do not sign any documents relating to the incident or your condition without first consulting an attorney. Property owners and their insurance companies may try to get you to sign releases or settlements that waive your right to fair compensation.
Do not discuss your case with anyone other than the police and your attorney. Statements you make to property managers, security personnel, or insurance adjusters can be used against you later. These parties do not have your best interests in mind—they’re looking to minimize their liability and reduce what they pay you.
Establishing Liability
When a crime occurs on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable if they failed to provide adequate security measures. Negligent security cases arise from assaults, robberies, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes that could have been prevented with proper safeguards like functioning locks, adequate lighting, security cameras, or trained security personnel.
Establishing liability in these cases requires proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk of criminal activity and failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors. This is where having an experienced crime victim attorney becomes essential.
Why Choose Holder Susan Slusher, LLC for Crime Victim Representation in Columbia, MO?
At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, we understand that being a crime victim is about more than just a legal case—it’s about your life, your recovery, and your future. Our attorneys bring over 20 years of accomplished experience to every case, and we’ve successfully represented thousands of clients throughout Missouri.
We represent crime victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there is no fee if there is no recovery. You won’t pay anything unless we win compensation for you. We provide honest, straightforward counsel and develop customized legal strategies specifically for your situation. When you work with us, you’re our top priority—not just another case number.
Schedule Your Free Case Review Today
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt or killed as a result of criminal conduct on someone else’s property, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Holder Susan Slusher, LLC today at 573-499-1700 for your free case evaluation. We proudly serve clients throughout Missouri, including Columbia, Moberly, Fulton, Boonville, and surrounding areas in Boone County.