According to the most recent statistics from the Seattle Police Department, citywide shootings dropped 20%, and homicides fell more than 30% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. That’s the good news. The bad news is that despite the best efforts of law enforcement and the community, violent crimes still occur in the city.
When someone is the victim of a violent crime, they are understandably traumatized.
They can be overwhelmed with anger, hopelessness, and fear. Those feelings extend to the family, who want to support their loved one but may feel helpless about what comes next.
The family’s priority is to care for their loved one. Next, explore the available options for a remedy. That is when you want to enlist the services of an experienced Seattle negligent security lawyer to provide valuable insight into what should happen next from a legal standpoint.
First, you need to take care of your loved one.
Prioritize Immediate Medical Care and Support
In the aftermath of a violent crime, you need to ensure that your loved one gets immediate medical care. Major facilities like Harborview Medical Center handle critical crime-related injuries. As this process begins, document everything. Ask for copies of discharge papers, medical bills, and police report numbers. Also, be sure to photograph any injuries.
These documents can be used in support of your personal injury claim.
Once your loved one has received medical attention, you may have access to other types of support in Seattle.
Seattle Victim Advocates
You do not have to go through the legal and investigative process alone. Specialized advocates can help guide your family.
Seattle Police Department (SPD) Advocates: The city embeds Violent Crimes Victim Advocates within the police department to help families understand the investigation. You can reach the Violent Crimes Unit front desk at (206) 684-5550.
Victim Support Team (VST): You can call the Seattle Victim Support Team at (206) 684-7721 for short-term crisis response, practical resources, and safety planning.
King County Resources: For cases moving through the county courts, contact the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Victim Assistance Unit at (206) 477-3743.
Apply for Financial Relief
Washington State offers financial help through the Washington State Crime Victim Compensation Program. This fund can help pay for medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral costs if the worst occurs. You can apply by calling toll-free at 1-800-762-3716 or apply online through the Department of Labor & Industries.
Seek Trauma and Mental Health Support
After your loved one has received medical care for any physical injuries, they should seek out support for their mental health. Trauma after a violent crime impacts each individual in different ways.
You can find specialized support through the Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center. They offer expert therapy for victims and families dealing with violent crime and homicide loss.
If you need to talk to someone immediately, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call the national Victim Connect Resource Center at 1-855-484-2846.
Once you have helped your loved one connect with the various support services.
Identify Liable Third Parties Beyond the Attacker
In Seattle, a violent crime will be prosecuted by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. They handle all cases related to first- and second-degree assault, robbery, kidnapping, and homicide.
The criminal aspect will focus on the perpetrator. However, you may be able to hold liable third parties accountable in a civil complaint. This would be handled in a completely separate court from the criminal proceedings.
These are the common liable third parties who might be involved in your loved one’s incident:
- Property Owners and Businesses: Depending on the incident, you may have an actionable claim against a property owner or business that failed to provide adequate security. This doesn’t just apply to a properly trained guard. Negligent security also applies to poor lighting in garages and stairwells, broken locks on doors and windows, and lack of surveillance cameras.
- Employers: An employer can be held responsible through negligent hiring and supervision if they ignored clear warning signs, failed to vet an employee, or kept a worker they knew had a history of misconduct.
- Schools: A school may face liability if administrators ignored warning signs with their staff or volunteers. They can also be liable if they failed to supervise staff and protect students.
- Event Organizers: An event organizer could share responsibility if they contracted outside firms that failed to manage crowds, screen attendees, or execute basic safety protocols.
- Security Contractors: A security contractor needs to vet and train their guards properly. Just providing a jacket with “security” is not enough.
Consult a Seattle Attorney Experienced in Violent Crimes
You might not immediately think about filing a negligent security lawsuit after suffering a violent crime. The instinct is to move on. That’s fine, but part of moving on is holding everyone accountable.
That includes those whose negligence contributed to the conditions that led to the crime.
The Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC has helped many survivors of violent crimes pursue justice through fair compensation. When you hold entities accountable, you also help prevent future crimes. You can schedule a free consultation with our office to discuss what happened and explore your options for a remedy.
We offer a safe and confidential space to share your story. You’ll feel better when you understand all your available options for closure.
