The Netherlands has seen a worrying rise in the number of violent incidents targeting business premises. Incidents ranging from bomb explosions to shootings not only cause material damage but also sow fear and uncertainty among business owners and their employees. At Law & More, we understand the seriousness of these situations and offer expert legal assistance to victims of such incidents.
The rising trend of violence against (business) premises
In recent years, several Dutch cities have seen a significant increase in violent incidents targeting (business) premises, including:
- Bombs and explosives: explosives are used to cause considerable damage and spread fear;
- Shelling: (business) premises are shelled, which threatens physical security and can damage corporate reputation.
The impact on victims
The consequences of such violent incidents are far-reaching, such as:
- Property damage: direct damage to the property leads to high repair costs, business interruption, and disruptions to operations;
- Safety risks: employees and customers feel unsafe, which affects the working environment;
- Reputational damage: negative publicity around violent incidents can damage the company’s reputation, leading to loss of customers and business partners;
- Psychological impact: anxiety and stress for those involved.
Legal assistance for victims
At Law & More, we offer comprehensive legal support in dealing with the consequences of these incidents of violence. Our services include:
- Criminal assistance
Our lawyers have extensive experience in criminal law and can assist you at all stages of criminal proceedings, from filing a report to representing you in court. We ensure that your interests are defended.
- Compensation
After a violent incident, it is essential to compensate for both material and immaterial damages. This process can be complex and requires expert guidance to ensure victims get what they are entitled to. This includes calculating the full extent of damages. We analyze both direct material damages and intangible damages, such as psychological distress and loss of earnings, to get a complete picture of the total damages.
We help victims file compensation claims. When a criminal prosecution occurs, we can file a claim as an injured party. This enables victims to claim compensation for damages suffered as part of the criminal case against the defendant. If necessary, we can also initiate civil proceedings to claim compensation. This can be an effective way to obtain total compensation, especially when the criminal route is inadequate or unavailable.
- Administrative law assistance
The municipality may decide to close a business premises temporarily after a violent incident. This has profound implications for business operations. At Law & More, we also offer administrative law assistance. We can draft and submit an appeal against a closure order issued by the municipality. If the closure order is unjustified or unreasonable, we can apply to the court for injunctive relief on your behalf to temporarily suspend the closure. In addition, we liaise with the municipality to represent your interests and reach a solution. We can also represent you at the appeal committee hearing to argue your case.
- Assistance upon termination of the rental agreement
In some cases, the landlord may decide to terminate the lease at the same time as the municipality’s closure order. At Law & More, we also offer legal assistance in these situations. We can draft defenses against the termination of the lease and, if necessary, take legal action to protect your rights.
Our approach
At Law & More, we believe in a proactive and personalized approach. Our approach includes:
- A thorough analysis of the situation
We start with a comprehensive analysis of the situation to determine the best strategy. This includes gathering all relevant information.
- Drawing up a plan
We take into account all legal and practical aspects of the situation. We make sure you are well-informed about your rights and the possible outcomes.
- Expert legal advice and representation
We offer expert legal advice and representation both in and out of court. Our lawyers deeply understand the legal challenges associated with incidents of violence and ensure that your interests are paramount. This includes representation at Appeals Committee hearings.
- Discreet and empathetic support
We understand that such situations can be highly stressful. That is why we offer discreet and empathetic support, always striving for the best possible outcome for our clients.
Conclusion
The increase in bombs, explosives, and shelling of (business) premises in the Netherlands is a worrying trend with significant consequences for affected businesses and their employees. At Law & More, we are ready to support victims with expert legal advice and effective strategies to recover compensation for your losses.
Are you involved in a violent incident and want to know more about how we can help you? If so, please contact us. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you.