Anytime that you are visiting a public place, it is reasonable to assume that the property owner of that public place has taken the proper steps to protect you and other visitors from danger. If the property owner has not taken the proper steps and you become injured or hurt by a third party, you may be eligible to file a negligent security claim against the property owner for the harm and injuries you endured due to their careless and reckless actions. This is because you have the legal right to be safe and harm-free when visiting public places, and if a property owner compromises this right, they should be held accountable.
What is negligent security?
Negligent security is a type of legal case that holds business and property owners responsible for injuries that visitors, customers, and patrons suffer from third parties while on their property. The reason why these types of legal cases allow visitors, customers, and patrons to hold business and property owners liable for their injuries and other losses caused by third parties is because the property owners are required to take certain measures to deter crimes and ensure that their properties are safe for those who frequent them. Therefore, if it is determined that the business or property owner failed to install or maintain the appropriate security measures and you became hurt as a result, you may be eligible to file a negligent security claim against the business or property owner and seek compensation for your damages.
What are common public places where negligent security may occur?
There are many different types of public places where negligent security may occur. Here are some of the most common public places:
- Grocery store
- Shopping mall
- Movie theater
- Parking lots and garages
- Hospitals
- Amusement parks
- Concert venues
- Parks and playgrounds
- Libraries
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Nightclubs
- Gas stations
The various ways that negligent security can occur in public places
When property owners do not take the necessary steps to ensure that adequate security is provided, violent and dangerous crimes, such as robbery, physical assault, carjacking, sexual assault, kidnapping, shooting, and stabbing, are likely to occur. The following are various ways that negligent security can occur in public places:
- Broken or lack of security systems: When an establishment lacks a working security system, visitors, customers, and even employees are at risk of danger. This is because criminals can access these places and never have to worry about an alert or warning being issued when they are committing a crime. While a security alarm may not go off when a criminal enters a public place, the property owner or employees can use the system to quickly notify police when a crime is taking place. However, that is not possible if the system is faulty, broken, or does not exist.
- Not enough or no security guards at all: When a public place does not have enough or any security guards at all, criminals are more likely to attack or commit crimes. This is because they do not worry about security guards stepping in to stop or deter their crimes or protect other people. Therefore, without properly trained security guards monitoring the area, customers, visitors, and patrons are at risk of being harmed.
- Broken or lack of lighting: Most crimes happen in dark and dim areas. This is because criminals are able to hide in these areas without people being able to see or notice them. Therefore, if a property owner fails to change, repair, or install adequate lighting, this is considered negligent and can put visitors and customers in harm’s way.
- Broken or lack of security or surveillance cameras: If an establishment does not have working and reliable security or surveillance cameras, criminals may feel more comfortable to assault, rob, or even kill employees, customers, or visitors. This is because they know that they are less likely to be seen, identified, or caught without any working cameras showing the act taking place.
- Improper or lack of training: It is crucial that employees are properly trained in how to handle dangerous situations that occur while they are working. Without this training, employees may be unable to protect themselves, other employees, and visitors and customers from harm. In addition, they may not know what to do if any suspicious activity happens or if an actual crime is taking place, which could be considered negligent security.
- Negligent hiring: If a property or business owner hires employees, it is their responsibility to conduct background checks to ensure that they have no criminal or dangerous history. If they fail to do this and an employee injures another employee or visitor, this is considered negligent hiring, which could be a form of negligent security.
- Lack of supervision: Lack of supervision is another form of negligent security. For example, if a business owner is not supervising their employees or customers and a crime takes place, they could be held liable for their lack of supervision, which could have potentially prevented the crime.
A negligent security attorney from Kwartler Manus can support and guide you through every aspect and challenge of a negligent security case. Whether you are a victim of a robbery, physical assault, sexual assault, or a dangerous carjacking, our team can help you file a negligent security claim against the property owner and seek the financial recovery you are owed. All you have to do is call or contact us to start the process at our Philadelphia or New Jersey office today. We look forward to discussing your claim and helping you reclaim your life by taking legal action against the responsible parties soon!