When you visit a hotel, apartment complex, or other commercial building, you expect the owners have taken due care to protect visitors from becoming a victim of a crime while on their property. This can include simple measures such as ensuring doors and windows are equipped with working and effective locks. It can also include providing adequate security. 
The law requires that sufficient security is in place for all commercial buildings. When it is not, and an injury crime occurs on the property, this can lead to a negligent security claim.
Injuries That Result From Negligent Security
Some of the more common problems that happen because of negligent security include:
- Assaults. Negligent security and other issues such as inadequate lighting on the property can leave visitors vulnerable to physical assaults. Injuries from assaults can range from cuts and bruises to head injuries and even death. If the property owner knew about the lack of security and did not address the issue, they could be held liable for damages.
- Drowning accidents. Property owners by law must keep their swimming pools safe for visitors. They must also ensure that children do not have easy access to the area. If someone is injured or killed in a drowning accident, and the pool did not have adequate fencing, the property owner could be at fault.
Proving Negligent Security
Proving negligent security relies on a variety of factors such as if a business could foresee an accident or crime taking place but did nothing to prevent it. Victims of negligent security will have to show that security was inadequate, which resulted in their injuries. Some of these security issues can include:
- Missing locks or locks that don’t work
- Broken or missing security cameras
- Missing security barriers such as fences and stair rails
- No security personnel or inadequately trained security personnel
- Inadequate lighting
Proving foreseeability is also crucial. Some of the factors that can help show this include:
- Businesses that are naturally high risk such as banks and hotels
- Businesses that are located in areas known for high rates of crime
- Businesses that have a history of crimes being committed on the property
- Businesses that have received threats of criminal acts
What to Do After a Negligent Security Incident
After being injured on public property, be sure to contact the police immediately, and call 911 if you need emergency medical treatment. You should also report the incident to the business owner or property manager and follow up with your doctor. If the property owner’s insurance company reaches out to you, do not speak with them until you contact an attorney first.
If you have been a crime victim, you may be unable to work, and you may be facing unexpected medical bills. Contact an attorney immediately to go over the details of your case. A negligent security claim may enable you recover damages to pay for medical treatment and to cover loss of earning capacity.
If you lost a loved one because they were a victim of a crime due to negligent security, you and your family members may be able to recover compensation for the victim’s medical and funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured on property that did not have proper security, it’s important to seek an experienced negligent security lawyer to discuss compensation for your financial, medical, and emotional recovery. Our experienced attorneys can help steer you through the details of this type of complex case. We generally take these cases on a contingency basis, so you do not have to worry about paying any legal costs until we resolve your case.
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