Signs You May Have Been the Victim of Negligent Security
Businesses are always trying to save money, but when they skimp on security, the results can be tragic. Poorly lit parking garages, unlocked gates, the lack of qualified security personnel, and other lapses in security create circumstances where people get seriously injured.
When you go shopping, see a ball game, enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant, or visit friends at an apartment building, you expect to be safe. Business and property owners who fail to take important security measures may be held liable for injuries suffered by guests, visitors, residents, and employees.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures at a place of business, and this failure results in serious injury or wrongful death. Businesses may be subject to personal injury lawsuits for failing to provide adequate security.
Acts of violence that result from negligent security include:
- Assault
- Battery
- Strong-arm robbery
- Rape
- Sexual assault
What Causes Negligent Security?
Two major causes of negligent security are a wanton disregard for the safety of others and misplaced spending priorities. Unfortunately, providing adequate security isn’t always a top priority for property owners. Businesses that demonstrate a lack of concern for the welfare of their customers will pay a heavy price in the long run. No sensible business owner wants to have a reputation for failing to protect people.
There isn’t any substitute for hiring qualified security personnel and making sure they have the right training and equipment to do the job. Terrible consequences occur when businesses refuse to allocate enough resources for security.
Examples of negligent security include:
- Poorly maintained fencing and walls
- No alarm system
- Insufficient lighting
- Poorly designed procedures
- Unlocked doors and gates
- Insufficient security personnel
- Broken or missing surveillance cameras
- Poorly trained staff
- Inadequate access control
- Lack of planning
- Failure to communicate effectively with local law enforcement
Places Where People Become Injured by Negligent Security
Businesses that try to reduce expenditures by cutting back on security are being pennywise and pound-foolish. There’s no escaping the fact that there are people out there who will threaten, abuse, and steal from others when given the opportunity.
Anywhere people congregate, there’s a threat that violence may occur. That’s why businesses can never let their guard down. Places where patrons are harmed by inadequate security include:
- Parking garages
- Malls
- Gyms
- Movie theaters
- Hotels and motels
- Gas stations
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Supermarkets
- Bars and restaurants
- Apartment complexes
- Office buildings
- Parking lots
- Amusement parks
- Schools and colleges
- Sporting events
Available Damages for People Injured by Negligent Security
If you or a loved one was injured due to negligent security, you have the right to seek compensation. When people are attacked, abused, and assaulted, it causes long-term physical and psychological harm. Victims may sustain gunshot wounds, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other debilitating injuries. Psychological and emotional harm can result in panic attacks and severe emotional distress.
The Columbus negligent security lawyers at Butler Prather LLP will investigate your case by interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance video, collecting physical evidence, and subpoenaing internal company documents and communications.
When our investigation is complete, our experienced litigators will file a claim or a lawsuit seeking damages against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries. This may include property owners, private security contractors, and people who committed or facilitated acts of violence.
A Columbus personal injury claim or lawsuit for damages caused by negligent security may include the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Bone fractures
- Internal injuries
- PTSD
- In-home nursing care
- Lost income
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Medical devices
- Wrongful death
Were You Injured Because Someone Failed To Provide Adequate Security?
At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve been helping people get the resources they need to recover for over 35 years. Our firm has won hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in over 30 states, including nine verdicts that exceed $100 million and more than 60 verdicts and settlements of over $10 million.
Our Columbus premises liability attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, an independent rating agency, for providing our clients with outstanding service.
Call us at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.