What is negligent security?
Negligent security is a legal concept that holds property owners accountable for injuries or financial damages that visitors incur as a result of the owner's negligence. Property owners are responsible for taking reasonable measures to ensure the safety of their visitors and customers while on their property.
Visitors have a reasonable expectation of safety when they enter a property, and property owners are expected to provide adequate security to maintain a secure environment. However, in many cases, property owners fail to take appropriate security measures that could help prevent injury or harm to visitors.
If you are injured, robbed, or assaulted on someone else's property due to negligent security, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. This allows victims of negligent security to hold property owners accountable for their failure to provide a safe environment and to recover the financial damages incurred as a result of the injury.
What is considered negligent security?
Property owners need to take appropriate security measures to prevent violent crimes from happening on their premises. They can, for instance, install CCTV cameras, and also make sure that the gates and doors are properly locked. Here are some examples of negligent security.
No security system
Property owners need to make reasonable efforts to make sure their property is safe, such as installing CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and door locking mechanisms. Not having such systems in place can be negligent security. In a case where the property owner installed these systems but failed to fix a broken security camera or alarm, they could also be liable.
No Security guard
In places like bars, a nightclub, or concerts, having security guards is necessary. Failure to have such a professional in such a place is negligent security. Hiring untrained security guards who failed to take the right measure during an emergency can also result in negligent security.
Poor or broken lighting
Criminals have a thing for darkness, and they feel protected by it. Failing to install proper lighting on your property can be negligence. Ensuring your property is properly illuminated will deter criminals from your property. Also, failure to fix a broken or dead bulb is negligent security.
Proving negligent security
The fact is that every property comes with diverse security requirements. A nightclub, for example, might need a security guard that helps keep customers safe. A retail store, on the other hand, might not need a security guard but rather, security cameras and alarm systems.
When the inevitable happens, it might be tricky to know whether you have a claim. If you can prove that the property owner was negligent, you’re on your way to getting compensated for any loss or damages.
If that is the case, you can’t do without a personal injury attorney. Feel free to get in touch by calling, or perhaps fill our contact form.