1. Center City landlord sexual assault settlement
2. Center City landlord office assault settlement.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The owner of a prominent office building in Center City has agreed to a £6 million settlement with a woman who was sexually assaulted on the premises two years ago. The incident occurred when a man unlawfully entered the property and made his way to the woman’s eighth-floor law firm, where the attack took place. The victim filed a civil lawsuit, alleging that the building’s security protocols were insufficient in protecting her from harm.
The Incident
The robbery and sexual assault took place on July 5, 2022, at 211 N. 13th St., a nine-story building that houses various offices. The perpetrator, identified as Willie Harris, entered the building through the front entrance without detection by the security guard on duty. Harris proceeded to the eighth floor, where he entered the victim’s unlocked office and carried out the assault.
During the assault, the victim, a 22-year-old woman, attempted to placate Harris by offering him her headphones and earrings. However, the situation escalated, leading to Harris physically assaulting and raping her. The assault was halted when another individual returned to the office, causing Harris to flee the scene.
Arrest and Conviction
Harris was apprehended two days later in Washington Township, New Jersey, following sightings in Gloucester County. Surveillance images from the office building aided in his identification by a nurse at a local hospital. Harris was subsequently convicted of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, burglary, robbery, and other charges. While he was charged with rape, a conviction was not secured, with sentencing pending.
The Lawsuit
The victim’s lawsuit targeted the building’s landlord, 211 N. 13th Street Associates, LP, and associated entities, alleging negligence in providing adequate security measures. The complaint highlighted deficiencies in the building’s security setup, including the lack of monitoring in key areas and insufficient access controls.
The lawsuit contended that the building should have implemented stronger measures to prevent unauthorised entry, such as locking barrier doors in stairwells. The landlord was criticised for failing to ensure the security guard had proper oversight of the premises, leading to the assailant going unnoticed.
Legal Representation and Settlement
The victim was represented by the Philadelphia-based personal injury law firm Kline & Specter. Attorney Lorraine Donnelly emphasised the lasting impact of the incident on the victim’s life and advocated for landlords to prioritise adequate security measures to safeguard tenants and employees.
The landlord, 211 N. 13th Street Associates, LP, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the settlement. The £6 million agreement signifies a significant resolution in the case, providing the victim with compensation for the trauma endured.
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Center City landlord settles for $ million with woman sexually assaulted at office
Center City landlord settles for $ million with woman sexually assaulted at office.
