Residents of Pasadena, California are experiencing an uptick in violent crime. The FBI’s Preliminary Semiannual Uniform Crime Report shows that the city has seen an 18% increase in robberies and a 29% increase in aggravated assaults between January and June of 2016.
The city has seen violent crime rise by nearly 18% in the first half of 2016, which is 12.7% greater than the national average of 5.3%. Law enforcement officials are explaining the discrepancy in crime rates by indicating that the passage of Assembly Bill 109 and Proposition 47 have led to higher recidivism rates.
While law enforcement points to Assembly Bill 109 and Proposition 47, many experts believe there are a combination of factors causing surges in violent crime. Charis Kubrin, a UC Irvine professor at the department of criminology, law, and society, says that an increase in gang violence around Los Angeles has been a major driver for the uptick in violent crime. She is convinced that “things like homelessness, housing, the economy, drugs, gangs, and mental health” are creating a perfect storm where violent crime can flourish.
Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez points to gang violence as the catalyst for a slew of homicides that occurred during December and January of 2016/2017. 25-year-old Brandon Douglas was gunned down on December 22, 2016 at 1200 Fair Oaks Avenue, and Antoine Dewayne Sutphen Jr. and Ormani Dajan Duncan were both fatally shot while attending a vigil for Douglas in January.
Legal Options For Violent Crime Victims
With violent crime rates rising in Pasadena, victims of robbery and aggravated assault will need legal representation to help them recover from serious injury and obtain a healthy financial settlement. While most people expect to recover damages for lost wages and medical expenses, many do not realize that they can receive non-economic damages for things like mental suffering and emotional distress.
When dispensing non-economic damages, California law requires courts to use the comparative fault rule to allocate liability. This means that if a court determines a person was more responsible for his or her injuries than the defendant, that person can still receive a proportional amount of damages. While California law does not allow a person to receive pain and suffering damages if they were injured at work, intentional tort claims can be awarded these damages, and a person should retain the services of an experienced attorney who can help maximize any potential payout.
Helping Injured Victims of Robbery and Aggravated Assault
Serious crimes like robbery and aggravated assault can cause victims to experience severe physical and emotional pain. While some people blame the victims for putting themselves in difficult situations, a well-versed attorney knows that complicated situations are never black-and-white and understands that certain actions are out of a person’s control.
Significant criminal activity can also lead to death, forcing a person’s family to deal with the resulting emotional and financial stress. A wrongful death suit is a way for a family to regain control after losing a loved one to an intentional act of violence. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to a violent crime, and live in Pasadena, California or the surrounding area, you should contact Strassburg, Gilmore, & Wei, Attorneys at Law and schedule a meeting with a personal injury attorney who can help you get the justice you deserve.