Negligent Security Attorney in Atlanta

Negligent security is the legal theory that a property owner or occupier failed to provide reasonable security measures to prevent foreseeable crimes, and as a result, someone was injured. This can include things like failing to have adequate lighting in a parking lot or not having security guards at an apartment complex. If someone is injured because of negligent security, they may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit. In order to succeed in this type of lawsuit, the victim must prove that the property owner or occupier knew or should have known about the potential for crime and did not take reasonable steps to prevent it. Negligent security lawsuits can be difficult to win, but if successful, they can provide compensation for things like medical expenses and pain and suffering. In some cases, victims may also sue for negligent hiring or supervision if an employee who committed a crime was not properly screened or supervised.

The negligent security statute of limitations in Georgia is two years. This means that you have two years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit. If you wait longer than two years, you will likely be barred from recovery. There are some exceptions to this rule, so it's important to speak with an experienced negligent security lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible to determine if you have a case. These cases can be complex, and the sooner you get started on your case, the better your chances of success.

In the last decade, many states have made headlines for a series of fatal shootings that have taken place in businesses across the country. In each of these cases, the victims' families have filed lawsuits against the business owners, alleging that their loved ones were killed as a result of negligent security. Here are five examples of such shootings:

1. The 2018 shooting at a Waffle House in Antioch, Tennessee.

On April 22, 2018, a gunman opened fire inside a Waffle House in Antioch, Tennessee, killing four people and injuring four others. The shooter was stopped by a brave customer who wrestled the gun away from him.

The families of two victims filed lawsuits against Waffle House, alleging that the company did not do enough to prevent the shooting from taking place. They argued that the restaurant should have had security guards on duty and that it should have taken steps to ensure that its customers would be safe from violence.

2. The 2017 shooting at an airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

On January 6, 2017, a gunman opened fire inside the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, killing five people and injuring six others.

The family of one victim filed a lawsuit against the airport authority, alleging that the airport did not do enough to prevent the shooting from taking place. They argued that the airport should have had metal detectors at all of its entrances and that it should have been more diligent in screening passengers for weapons before allowing them into the terminal.

3. The 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida

On June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire inside of Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and injuring 53 others. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history up to that point.
Several survivors and family members of victims filed lawsuits against Pulse nightclub and its owner, alleging that they did not do enough to prevent the shooting from taking place and that they failed to adequately protect patrons from harm once it started happening. They argued that the club should have had better security measures in place and that it should have been more proactive in addressing reports of violence inside its premises.

4. The 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina

On June 17, 2015, a gunman opened fire inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people and injuring another. Eight victims were killed, and one survived with gunshot wounds. Several relatives of victims filed wrongful death lawsuits against Emanuel AME Church, arguing that its leaders should have been aware of the shooter’s plans and done more to prevent him from carrying out the attack. Specifically, they alleged that the church should have had security guards on duty during services.   

5. The 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting

In July 2012, a gunman opened fire inside an Aurora, Colorado movie theater during a screening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” killing 12 people and injuring 70 others. Several survivors and family members of victims filed lawsuits against the theater’s owner, alleging negligent security. They argued that the theater should have had armed security guards on duty during movies and that it should have been more diligent in checking bags for weapons before allowing patrons into the auditorium.

The most common types of damages awarded are economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that compensate a plaintiff for quantifiable financial losses. In contrast, noneconomic damages are those that compensate a plaintiff for intangible losses such as pain and suffering or loss of consortium.

Examples of Economic Damages
Perhaps the clearest example of economic damages is medical bills. If you've been injured in an accident, you may have substantial medical bills as a result. Fortunately, if the accident was someone else's fault, you may be able to recover those costs through a civil lawsuit.

Other common examples of economic damages include lost wages and loss of future earnings. If you're unable to work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover your lost wages as well as the value of any future earnings you would have received had it not been for the accident.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are intended to compensate an injury victim for the physical and emotional anguish caused by an accident. Unlike economic damages, which have a clear monetary value, noneconomic damages are more subjective. As a result, calculating an appropriate amount of compensation can be tricky.

Noneconomic damages can include any type of physical or emotional suffering that's caused by an injury.

Examples of Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life

There is no definitive answer when it comes to calculating noneconomic damages. If you've been injured in an accident, it's important to seek out the advice of an experienced negligent security lawyer in Atlanta who can help you determine what types of compensation you may be entitled to recover under the law.

1. Hotels
Hotels are one of the most common locations responsible for crimes that occur because of negligent security. This is because hotels often have many entrances and exits, making it easy for criminals to come and go without being noticed. Furthermore, hotel staff is often overworked and underpaid, which can lead to them cutting corners when it comes to safety. If you are staying at a hotel, make sure to do your research beforehand and only stay at reputable establishments.

2. Parking Lots
Parking lots are another common location responsible for negligent security injuries. This is because they are typically unmonitored and unprotected, making them easy targets for criminals. In addition, parking lots are often dimly lit, which makes it difficult to see potential threats. If you must park in an unmonitored lot, make sure to park in a well-lit area near the entrance/exit.

3. ATMs
ATMs are also commonly known for negligent security. This is because they frequently contain large amounts of cash, making them prime targets for robbers. In addition, many ATMs are located in isolated areas, which makes it difficult for customers to get help if something goes wrong. If you must use an ATM, make sure to do so during daylight hours and in a well-populated area.

4. Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities are often responsible for negligent security due to inadequate lighting, poor maintenance, and lack of surveillance. This leaves students particularly vulnerable to crimes such as assault and robbery. If you attend college or university, make sure to take precautions such as walking with a friend at night, being aware of your surroundings, and knowing where the emergency call boxes are located.

5. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are also commonly responsible for negligent security due to their lack of adequate staffing, surveillance, and safety measures. This leaves residents vulnerable to abuse, theft, and other crimes. If you have a loved one in a nursing home, make sure to do your research beforehand and only choose reputable establishments.

If you've been the victim of a crime that could have been prevented if better security measures had been in place, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit. While no amount of money can make up for what you've gone through, filing a lawsuit can help to hold the responsible party accountable and prevent others from going through the same thing. Contacting a lawyer to discuss your case is the best way to determine whether you have a valid claim. A negligent security lawyer in Atlanta will be able to review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.

If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, your lawyer will be able to handle all the legal details and will fight for you so that you can focus on healing and moving on with your life. Our lawyers are committed to helping injury victims get the justice they deserve. We offer free consultations so that you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney and learn more about your legal options. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to schedule your free consultation.