All store owners, including those who own and operate New Jersey dollar stores, must provide adequate security to their customers and shoppers. It does not matter whether they are actually inside the store and purchasing items, in the parking lot loading their vehicles, or walking out the door empty-handed; all customers and shoppers should remain safe and harm-free while on the store owner’s premises.
Even though most business and property owners know this, they still often lack adequate security, putting their customers and shoppers in danger every day. Talk to a New Jersey negligent security lawyer about your case today.
Why is it important to have adequate security measures in dollar stores or other retail locations?
It is important to have adequate security measures in place in dollar stores and other retail locations because they can prevent certain criminal activity from happening to customers and shoppers. Most of the time, certain crimes are foreseeable, which means that the store or business owner is aware that they could potentially happen. This gives them the responsibility to take reasonable steps and measures to protect their customers and shoppers from the foreseeable crimes. If they fail to do this, they are placing their customers and shoppers directly in harm’s way, allowing criminals to hurt them.
What makes dollar stores and other retail locations perfect places for crime?
Even though most people think of dark and secluded areas or facilities as common places for crime, dollar stores and other busy retail businesses are actually known to be perfect for criminal behavior. The following are a few reasons why:
- Dollar stores and other retail businesses have a lot of foot traffic, especially during certain times or near certain holidays. This makes it easy for criminals to target many people or even blend in to carry out their crimes.
- Some dollar stores and retail locations are large, which can make it difficult to monitor and watch the entire space for crime.
- It is not uncommon for dollar stores and other retail establishments to have hidden areas, such as restrooms, hallways, or back doors. These areas allow criminals to enter, hide, or carry out certain actions that they could not do openly.
- Dollar stores and other retail locations usually have parking lots for customers and shoppers to park in. Whether these parking lots are isolated or busy, they can give criminals the opportunity to hurt the customers as they are exiting their vehicles, loading their vehicles with items, or even getting back into their vehicles to leave.
- Criminals are very aware of the possibility that those visiting dollar stores and other retail establishments are likely to carry cash or credit cards to purchase items. Therefore, these places are typically playgrounds for those planning to commit theft or robbery crimes.
What types of crimes are dollar store shoppers at risk of experiencing?
Some of the crimes that dollar store shoppers are at risk of experiencing or becoming victims of include:
- Robberies
- Shootings
- Stabbings
- Physical assaults
- Kidnappings
- Carjackings
- Sexual assaults
- Murders
How do I know if a New Jersey dollar store lacks adequate security?
It can be difficult to know whether a dollar store lacks adequate security. However, a negligent security attorney can investigate the property and look for specific factors that usually indicate that the property owner failed to implement adequate security measures and put you in danger while at their location. Here are some examples of a dollar store lacking adequate security:
- Missing or broken lights in the store or parking lot
- Missing, defective, or broken security cameras inside and outside of the store
- Unlocked or broken doors or windows in the back or side areas of the store
- Blocked or cluttered aisles leading to the emergency exit doors
- Missing or broken security or alarm system
- No security personnel on duty to properly monitor the store and protect customers
How do I prove negligent security is a key factor in my case?
In order to prove that negligent security is a key factor in your case, you must be able to show that the crime was foreseeable. This means that you must be able to successfully demonstrate that the store owner knew that there was a strong possibility that the crime could occur but did not take adequate measures to prevent it.
You may be able to prove this by obtaining strong evidence, such as previous complaints or reports made to the manager or police by customers, news articles that mention crimes happening to other dollar stores or nearby retail establishments, and documents or reports showing that the store is in a high-crime location. However, keep in mind that even if you can prove that the crime was foreseeable and negligent security played a role in your case, the store owner will most likely try to put all the blame on the person who attacked you. While the person who attacked you should be held accountable for their wrongful actions, the store owner had a duty to protect you while on their premises. Therefore, to help you successfully prove your case, you may need a lawyer by your side, thoroughly investigating, fighting for your rights, and ensuring that all parties are held legally responsible.
If you were recently hurt at a New Jersey dollar store and believe that negligent security may be to blame, the negligent security lawyers at Kwartler Manus, LLC are here to help. These types of cases are known to be very difficult and complex, which can add unnecessary stress and frustration to your healing and recovery process. However, when you hire our firm, you can have peace of mind, knowing that we will conduct our own investigation, help you build a strong and compelling case, and demand the fair compensation that you need and deserve to move forward with your life. Please contact our team to schedule your first meeting with us today. We have offices in both New Jersey and Philadelphia for your convenience.