What to Do if You Were Affected by Negligent Security

Negligent security can lead to devastating consequences, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. Property owners and businesses are legally obligated to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors, customers, and tenants. When they fail to do so, victims may have the right to pursue compensation for their suffering. If you or a loved one has been affected by negligent security, here’s what you need to know about taking action.

Understanding Negligent Security

Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to implement reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. This can occur in a variety of settings, including:

• Apartment complexes
• Hotels and motels
• Shopping malls and retail stores
• Parking lots and garages
• Office buildings
• Bars and nightclubs
• College campuses and dormitories

When security is lacking in these locations, individuals may become victims of violent crimes, theft, and assault. If it can be proven that the property owner knew or should have known about potential dangers but failed to address them, they can be held legally responsible.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can take many forms. The most common types of negligent security may include:

• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit parking lots, stairwells, or hallways create opportunities for criminal activity.
• Lack of Security Personnel: Properties in high-crime areas or those with a history of incidents may require trained security guards.
• Improperly Trained Security Personnel: Failure to properly train personnel may result in security issues, which can lead to high crime levels.
• Faulty or Nonexistent Security Cameras: Surveillance systems help deter crime and provide crucial evidence in the event of an attack.
• Broken Locks or Unsecured Entry Points: Apartments, hotels, and businesses should have functioning locks and controlled access.
• Failure to Warn Tenants or Visitors: If a property has a history of criminal activity, owners should take proactive steps to notify and protect occupants.

If you were harmed due to any of these issues, you may have grounds for a negligent security claim.

Steps to Take After a Negligent Security Incident

If you have been the victim of a crime due to inadequate security, taking the right steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your legal case.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety should be your top priority. If you were injured, seek immediate medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is crucial for documentation.

Report the Issue to Authorities

Call the police and file an official report. This provides an objective event record, which can serve as important evidence in a future legal claim.

Document Everything

Gather as much evidence as possible, including:

• Photos or videos of the crime scene, particularly any broken locks, poor lighting, or lack of security cameras.
• Copies of medical records and police reports.
• Witness statements from anyone who saw what happened.

Notify the Property Owner or Manager

Report the incident to the property owner, landlord, or business manager and request a written report of your complaint.

Contact an Experienced Negligent Security Attorney

Negligent security cases can be complex and require legal expertise. An attorney can help you investigate the property owner’s liability, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Potential Compensation in a Negligent Security Case

If you were harmed due to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage or theft
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed due to negligent security)

An experienced negligent security attorney can help determine the full value of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How a Morgan & Morgan Lawyer Can Help

No one should suffer because a property owner failed to provide adequate security. If you were injured or affected by negligent security, taking swift action can help you protect your rights and seek justice. By consulting with an experienced attorney, you can explore your legal options and work toward securing the compensation you deserve.

A negligent security lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your case. This may include reviewing surveillance footage, obtaining crime statistics for the area, and consulting security experts. They will work to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

By pursuing legal action, you cannot only recover compensation, but you may also help prevent future incidents by holding property owners accountable for their negligence.