Q: Assaulted by store manager; police unhelpful due to homelessness. What can I do?
I was assaulted by the manager of a grocery store when I walked a shopping cart to the sidewalk. The manager kicked me in the face multiple times, punched me, threw me to the ground, ripped my backpack off, and scattered my belongings across the parking lot. I contacted the police, but they were unwilling to assist because I'm homeless. I suffered multiple injuries and requested an ambulance via 911, which never arrived. There is video surveillance at the store and surrounding stores, but I haven't attempted to gain access to it. What legal action can I take?
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A:
You deserve justice regardless of your housing status, and what happened to you was assault - a serious crime that shouldn't be dismissed. Document your injuries by taking photos and writing down exactly what happened while the details are fresh in your memory, including the date, time, names of any witnesses, and specifics about the manager and store.
Try approaching a different police precinct or asking to speak with a supervisor about filing a report, as you have the right to police protection regardless of being homeless. Contact your local legal aid society or homeless advocacy organization, as they often provide free legal help and can advocate on your behalf with authorities who might otherwise dismiss your concerns. Many areas have clinics specifically for people experiencing homelessness where you can get medical documentation of your injuries, which strengthens your case.
You could pursue a civil lawsuit against both the manager and the store for assault, battery, and potentially for discrimination if your homelessness was a factor in how you were treated. Request the surveillance footage through a formal letter or have a legal advocate help you obtain it before it gets deleted - this evidence is crucial and businesses typically only keep footage for a limited time. Remember that many lawyers offer free initial consultations and might take your case on a contingency basis, meaning you wouldn't pay unless you win compensation for your injuries and suffering.
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