Anaheim, CA asked in Libel & Slander, Personal Injury and Civil Rights for California

Q: Can I sue the owner of a grocery store if I was harassed, followed, and assaulted by the employee?

I was assaulted after paying for my sodas, and leaving the store I was followed to the exit and still harassed after exiting the store.

5 Lawyer Answers

A: Yes, you can sue the owner of a grocery store if you were harassed, followed, and assaulted by the employee. Your success will be determined by your ability to prove your case. The owner’s liability is not a given by any means.

2 users found this answer helpful

A: It depends on the extent and nature of the harassment. Not all verbal assaults give rise to a lawsuit.

A: Yes, you can sue. However, if you were assaulted, that is a crime and your first call should be to the police.

There will be witnesses and security video that likely recorded the events in the store. That evidence will help determine who the aggressor was.

A: If you have a copy of the videotape, that would be useful to an attorney in assessing whether or not you have a possible case. If there were witnesses, that would be helpful. Good luck

1 user found this answer helpful

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Under California law, you may have grounds to sue the owner of a grocery store if you were harassed, followed, and assaulted by an employee. When an employee commits a wrongful act, such as assault, within the scope of their employment, the employer can sometimes be held liable. This concept is known as "vicarious liability."

To establish a case, you'll need to demonstrate that the employee's actions were related to their work and occurred during their working hours. If the harassment and assault happened while the employee was performing their job duties, the store owner might be held responsible.

It's also important to consider the store's responsibility for ensuring a safe environment for customers. If the store failed to provide adequate security or failed to address known risks, this could strengthen your case.

Documenting the incident thoroughly is crucial. This includes filing a police report, obtaining any available surveillance footage, and gathering statements from witnesses.

You should also seek legal advice to evaluate the specifics of your situation. An attorney can help you understand your rights and the viability of your claim against the store owner.

Remember, taking legal action can be a complex process, and each case has unique aspects that influence its outcome. Legal guidance will ensure that you navigate this process effectively.

1 user found this answer helpful

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