El Coyote Loco Seaford: Multiple Women Filmed With Hidden Camera Found In Bathroom of Seaford Based El Coyote Loco On Merrick Road
SEAFORD, NEW YORK (December 1, 2019) – An 8-year-old girl discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of El Coyote Loco in Long Island leading to the arrest of one 17-year-old employee.
Nassau County police are saying that they were notified around 8:20 p.m. when an 8-year-old girl noticed a phone pointed at her while she was using the restaurant’s bathroom.
The manager was informed about the hidden camera and the police were called. Investigators learned that a 17-year-old employee of El Coyote Loco placed the phone in the bathroom and hit record.
The employee has since been arrested and is being charged with unlawful surveillance. Police have found several other female victims on the phone and an investigation into the El Coyote Loco incident remains ongoing.
Liability In Long Island Hidden Camera Incidents
Employers in New York are prohibited from filming employees in restrooms. According to N.Y. Labor Law § 203-c(1), “No employer may cause a video recording to be made of an employee in a restroom, locker room, or room designated by an employer for employees to change their clothes, unless authorized by court order.” The statute provides civil relief for the employees of companies that violate the law. Base on the statute a NY court may:
(a) award damages and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff; and
(b) afford injunctive relief against any employer that commits or proposes to commit a violation of this section.
Business owners in New York are required to keep guests free from preventable sources of harm. There are a number of laws designed to protect guests from being violated with a hidden camera. It is against the law to film anyone in New York when that person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy. A business in New York could potentially be liable for hidden bathroom recordings if they failed to institute policies to protect guests from digital voyeurism. There are a number of potential sources of negligence for hidden camera incidents:
- Businesses may be liable for failing to conduct adequate background checks on employees
- Businesses may be liable for failure to supervise employees
- Businesses may be liable for breach of privacy
- Businesses may be liable for failure to inspect facilities in a timely manner
Victims of hidden camera incidents may not suffer physical injuries, but the psychological trauma, embarrassment and humiliation from these incidents can be long lasting. It’s important that evidence is properly preserved and collected after an accident. Victims who have been violated with hidden cameras will typically be able to seek justice through a civil claim. Damages can help cover psychological distress, medical care and punitive awards. A premises liability attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal rights are.
Getting Help After An El Coyote Loco Hidden Camera Incident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the victims of this horrific crime. Any person with knowledge about what happened should reach out to police as they continue their investigation. This is beyond unacceptable. It is our sincere hope that El Coyote Loco will implement measures to prevent this from happening again.
Have you or someone that you love been filmed against their knowledge in a restaurant bathroom? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights so that they can make informed decisions. Whether you just have questions about the law or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.