California Assault and Battery Lawyer

An assault or battery can change your life in seconds. Victims often suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, lost income, and long-term anxiety—especially when the violence was preventable.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents assault and battery victims throughout California, including cases involving negligent security, unsafe properties, bars and nightclubs, hotels and motels, apartment complexes, parking lots, events, and other locations where owners and operators had a duty to protect guests and visitors.

If you were attacked because a business, landlord, or property owner failed to take reasonable safety measures, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

When Violence Was Preventable, Property Owners May Be Responsible

Many assault and battery cases involve more than just the attacker. In California, businesses, landlords, and property owners may be legally responsible when foreseeable criminal activity occurs and they failed to provide reasonable security.

These cases often involve questions like whether the area had prior similar incidents, whether security was adequate, whether lighting or access control was deficient, and whether staff responded appropriately to escalating threats.

Early action matters. Security footage can be overwritten, witnesses can disappear, and property owners may “fix” the hazard immediately after an incident. Preserving evidence quickly can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.

What Is the Difference Between Assault and Battery?

In everyday language people often use the terms “assault” and “battery” together, but they mean different things. Assault generally involves an intentional act that causes someone to reasonably fear imminent harmful or offensive contact. Battery generally involves the actual harmful or offensive touching. Many cases include both.

Common Locations Where Assault & Battery Incidents Occur

We see preventable attacks happen in many settings across California, especially where security, staffing, or safety procedures were inadequate:

• Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
• Hotels, motels, resorts, and short-term rentals
• Apartment complexes, gated communities, and HOA common areas
• Parking lots, garages, stairwells, and elevators
• Shopping centers and retail properties
• Concerts, festivals, and large public events
• Schools, campuses, and youth programs

Negligent Security and Third-Party Liability

In many cases, the most important legal issue is whether the assault was foreseeable and whether the property owner or operator took reasonable steps to prevent it. Reasonable safety measures may include adequate lighting, working locks, controlled access, security guards, cameras, patrols, trained staff, and appropriate policies for responding to escalating conflicts.

When owners ignore known risks—such as prior incidents, repeated complaints, broken gates, malfunctioning locks, or poorly lit areas—they may be held accountable for injuries that follow.

Who May Be Liable Besides the Attacker?

Depending on the facts, one or more parties may share responsibility for an assault or battery incident:

• Property owners and landlords
• Property management companies
• Bars, clubs, restaurants, and event organizers
• Hotels and hospitality operators
• Security companies and security guards
• Businesses that overserved alcohol or failed to control known dangers

Injuries Commonly Seen in Assault & Battery Cases

Assault and battery incidents can cause serious injuries and lasting harm. Common injuries include:

• Head injuries and concussions
• Facial fractures, dental injuries, and scarring
• Neck, back, and spinal injuries
• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms

Compensation Available in California Assault & Battery Claims

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological treatment
• Permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a business or landlord if I was attacked?
Yes, in many cases you may have a claim if the attack was foreseeable and the property owner failed to take reasonable safety measures.

What if the attacker is never found?
You may still have a claim against a property owner or business if negligent security or unsafe conditions contributed to the incident.

What evidence matters most in these cases?
Surveillance footage, incident reports, witness statements, police records, prior complaints, security logs, and maintenance records can be critical.

Should I talk to the insurance company?
Be cautious. Insurers often look for ways to deny responsibility or shift blame. It is usually best to get legal advice before giving recorded statements.

How long do I have to file a claim?
Deadlines depend on the facts and who is involved. If a public entity is involved, shorter deadlines may apply. Acting early protects your rights.

Speak With a California Assault & Battery Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in an assault or battery incident anywhere in California, you deserve answers and real legal support. These cases often require fast investigation, immediate evidence preservation, and a clear strategy for proving liability beyond the attacker.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez is here to help. With nearly 30 years of experience handling serious injury and premises liability cases, we know how to hold property owners, management companies, and security providers accountable when violence was preventable.

Call for a free consultation: 800-816-1529
Visit: thepersonalinjury.com
No fee unless we win.