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Target Security Guard Punches a Woman in the Face after Argument


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A video shows a male security guard punching a woman in the face. The woman, who was identified as Karen Ivery, allegedly asked for reparations to pay for her thousand-dollar Target Bill. The security guard, who has been identified as Zach Cotter, allegedly got in the middle of an argument between Ivery and a store manager. Cotter told Ivery to calm down or leave the store. Instead, Ivery charged at him, backing him into his office. This is when Cotter punched her in the face, causing her to fall onto the floor. Cotter called the police, who determined that he acted in self-defense. Ivery was ultimately cited for disorderly conduct, served one day in jail, and had to pay a $110 fine.

This is just one of the many incidents in which security punches customers. In this specific situation, it is unclear whether Ivery was injured by the punch. However, in incidents in the past, the excessive use of force by security guards at these retail stores have left customers with significant injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries at the hands of a security guard, you could have grounds to file an injury claim. For more information about the legal options available to you, we recommend that you seek legal assistance with the experts here at our firm as soon as possible. The legal team here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to better understand the legal options available to you. If you are ready to speak with our lawyers, contact the experts here at our firm today.

The Problem of Security Guards Using Excessive Force

Without a doubt, security guards sometimes have to use force against those who pose a risk to others on the premises. However, sometimes the force is unwarranted or outright excessive. Many security guards are not efficient in trying to deescalate situations. First and foremost, the security guard should ask the guest to leave the premises. If asking the guest to leave does not resolve anything, then the security guard can physically remove the guest – by grabbing them and walking them out or by even carrying them outside, for instance. When guests are resisting, then security guards might use other measures to detain and remove the guest.

The problem is that many security guards are too aggressive in their use of force. They might rush the guest and knock them onto the ground. They might throw the guest on the ground and lay on their back to keep them down. They might punch or kick guests. Without a doubt, all of these possibilities could lead to injuries.

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Possible Injuries Resulting from Security Guard Excessive Force

Security guard excessive force could lead to the following injuries:

  • Head injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries and back injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Joint injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Lacerations
  • Scrapes and bruises

Although these injuries might seem to be only minor listed above, they could require significant medical care. Some injuries could even lead to permanent damage and even death. If you or a loved one suffered harm in an incident due to a security guard at Target using excessive force, it is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible as you could have the right to sue.

Can I Sue?

Yes – you can sue for the harm resulting from a security guard attack at Target. This is because Target has a duty to keep their premises safe for guests. In addition to ensuring that there are no hazards or dangerous conditions that could lead to incidents, Target must ensure that employees – including security guards – do not pose a risk of harm to guests. This means that they must ensure that their security guards are subject to background checks during the hiring process, initial and ongoing training, and supervision. If a security guard harms a Target guest, Target could be found liable for all resulting harm, and they could be sued.

For more information about your right to sue, contact us today.

Can I Recover Compensation?

Yes – if your lawsuit is successful, you could be entitled to receive compensation for the security assault that you or a loved one suffered. What could you recover? Some of the different categories of compensation available for recovery could include the following:

  • Medical costs
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages
  • Wrongful death benefits (loss of consortium and funeral/burial costs)
  • Legal fees

Here at our law firm, our team is completely dedicated to getting our clients the highest recovery available for their claims. Many clients have reached out with the following question: what is the average value of a Target security guard assault case? This is a very common question, but it is a question that is very difficult to answer. There are many factors that can affect the value of a security guard assault case, including the severity of the injuries sustained, the permanency of the injuries, the time that the victim was out of work, and even the victim’s earning history, for example. In general, these cases can be worth anywhere from $150,000 to $1.5 million – although they can sometimes be worth even more.

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How Long Does It Take to Settle These Cases?

Here at our law firm, we understand how frustrating it can be to even think about having to wait years to get a settlement after filing a case. We understand that our clients want to put this traumatic experience behind them and move on with their lives. Because of that, our legal team is committed to settling these cases within a reasonable length of time. Our goal is to settle these types of cases within just 6 months. Of course, this is not always possible. Different complications could arise causing the settlement process to take much longer. In general, we can settle these types of cases effectively in under 2 years. For more information about how long it could take to settle your case, contact us today.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

In California, personal injury claims are subject to a 2-year statute of limitations, meaning that claimants have only two years to file their claims. If claimants do not file their claims on time, they could lose their right to sue. Depending on the details surrounding the incident, some exceptions could apply. To ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the specific time that you have to file your claim, contact us today.

Contact the Downtown L.A. Law Group Today

Here at our law firm, we are not afraid to take on Target or any other retailer for security guard attacks. If you were injured at the hands of a security guard, our lawyers can help you fight for your rights and help you recover compensation. To make the process as simple as possible to you, we offer free legal services, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our team will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to either begin or continue your claim. That’s right – whether you are looking to start your claim or redirect your claim after starting it with another team, our lawyers can help you.

Our Zero-Fee guarantee ensures that our clients never have to worry about paying upfront legal costs. In addition, we work on contingency, so our clients will not have to pay anything unless they win their claims.

If you are ready to speak with our Target security guard attack lawyers, contact us today! Our team is ready to help you every step of the way!


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