Bars and nightclubs in Illinois can be hotspots for sex crimes such as sexual assault, harassment and rape, especially when management does not take appropriate steps to ensure a safe premises for patrons. If you have been sexually assaulted at a bar, don’t hesitate to contact the Mahoney Law Firm for a legal consultation about your rights. We are passionate about helping survivors recover in every way possible.
Why Choose Our Bar Sexual Assault Lawyer in Illinois?
- Attorney Ryan Mahoney has more than 16 years of experience representing sexual assault and abuse clients in Illinois. He can go up against any bar or establishment in the state.
- We understand how personal sexual assault claims are. We will treat you like family, making sure you have everything you need to feel safe, seen and heard every step of the way.
- We only charge an attorney’s fee if the client recovers financial compensation for the sexual assault. Our initial consultations are entirely free.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Sexual Assault Case
The bar where the assault took place may have its own legal team in addition to an insurance company, both of which will not want you to recover maximum compensation. A sexual assault attorney, on the other hand, will work for you and you alone. You can trust a lawyer to investigate, gather evidence, hire experts, negotiate and file lawsuits to help you achieve justice.
Illinois’ Definition of Sexual Assault
Under 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20, the definition of sexual assault includes committing an act of sexual penetration while using force or threat of force, or while knowing that the victim is unable to give consent or understand the nature of the act. Sexual assault in a bar may take the form of:
- Inappropriate touching
- Groping or fondling
- Forced penetration
- Rape or attempted rape
- Date rape
- Forced oral copulation
- Sodomy
- Any unwanted or nonconsensual sexual activity
In Illinois, a sexual assault survivor has multiple legal options. Within the criminal justice system, he or she can cooperate with police and the prosecution as the city brings criminal charges against the perpetrator. Criminal sexual assault is a Class 1 felony in Illinois. A survivor can also file a civil sexual assault claim against the assailant as well as the bar or institution, depending on the circumstances.
Who Is Liable When a Victim Is Sexually Assaulted at a Bar in Illinois?
An Illinois bar could be held accountable for sexual assault that occurs on its premises, including inside, in bathrooms, in back rooms and in the parking lot. The property owner or controller of the bar has a legal responsibility to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of patrons.
The owner must protect customers from foreseeable crime risks, including sex crimes. Reasonable safety measures may include hiring security guards, providing adequate parking lot lighting and conducting background checks on employees.
If a bar does not fulfill its legal duty of care, it can be held liable for negligent security. If one of the bar’s staff members, bartenders or security guards committed the sexual assault or contributed to the attack in some way, the bar could also be held liable through the doctrine of vicarious liability.
Contact Our Illinois Bar Sexual Assault Lawyer for a Free and Confidential Consultation
At the Mahoney Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your case and analyze all available evidence to identify the liable party/ies in your bar sexual assault claim. We can strengthen your case against a bar or nightclub with proven legal strategies. To discuss a particular bar sexual assault case with a knowledgeable attorney in Illinois, contact us for a free consultation.
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