Posted on Sunday, June 16th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Have you suffered an injury due to negligent security? If a business or property owner neglected to implement reasonable security measures and you experienced an assault, you may have a basis for a negligent security lawsuit.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security refers to a property owner who fails to provide adequate security for visitors, tenants, and patrons by not putting adequate security measures in place. Owners of commercial properties like shopping malls, apartment complexes, hotels, bars, and parking garages have a legal duty to protect people on their premises from foreseeable criminal activity.
Common examples of negligent security include:
- Broken locks, gates, or security systems
- Inadequate lighting in stairwells or parking areas
- Lack of trained security guards in high-crime areas
- Failing to respond to prior incidents of crime on the property
- Not conducting background checks on employees with access to guest rooms
When negligent security enables a crime or assault to occur, leading to injuries, the property owner may face liability through a negligent security lawsuit.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim
To win a negligent security case, you and your lawyer must prove several key elements:
- The property owner is held liable for providing adequate security
- They breached this duty through negligence
- This negligence was a direct and proximate cause of the crime against you
- You suffered actual injuries and losses as a result
An experienced negligent security attorney will gather evidence to establish that the property owner failed their duty, such as:
- Police reports and crime statistics show a history of criminal activity in the area
- Security camera footage
- Photos of broken locks, insufficient lighting, etc.
- Witness statements about inadequate security and unsafe conditions
- Expert analysis of industry-standard security measures
Your lawyer will also document the full extent of your injuries and losses to prove the relationship between the owner’s negligence and the harm you suffered. This may include gathering medical records, psychological evaluations, proof of lost wages, and other documentation.
Compensation in a Negligent Security Case
By filing a negligent security lawsuit, you may recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical bills for treating your injuries
- Lost income from missing work
- Reduced future earning capacity due to impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability and disfigurement
The value of your negligent security claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the extent of the owner’s negligence, and the impact on your life. An experienced Georgia premises liability attorney will fight tenaciously to secure maximum compensation on your behalf. While no amount of money can undo the trauma you endured, a financial recovery can provide vital support and a sense of justice.
What to Do After a Negligent Security Incident
If you suspect your injuries stemmed from negligent security, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek prompt medical care for your injuries. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Report the crime to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report.
- Notify the property owner about the incident in writing.
- Take photos of the area where the assault occurred, noting any unsafe conditions.
- Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Write down your recollection of what happened while the memory remains fresh.
- Keep copies of your medical bills and records of other losses like missed work.
- Contact a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible.
- Avoid discussing the incident on social media, as the insurance company may use your posts to challenge your claim.
How Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. Can Help
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we believe everyone has the right to feel safe as they go about their lives. Our attorneys are committed to holding property owners accountable when their failure to maintain secure premises leads to preventable violent crime and heartbreaking losses. We combine aggressive advocacy with compassion and individualized attention to help our clients who are victims of negligent security.
When you contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we will schedule a meeting to listen to your story and clarify your legal options. If you have a negligent security case, we will manage every aspect of your claim, from investigation and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and presenting your case in court if necessary. Rest assured, you can concentrate on your recovery with confidence, knowing a committed legal team is advocating on your behalf.
Don’t let negligent property owners get away with putting your safety at risk. Contact Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today at (770) 205-8827 for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and proven track record to work for you. Together, we will pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.