Keller Swan Injury Attorneys: Protecting Your Rights in Negligent Security Cases In Multistate of U.S.
In today’s world, negligent security cases are on the rise, with business owners and property managers sometimes failing to provide adequate safety measures to protect patrons. While you might think of places like banks or jewelry stores as needing robust security, businesses in every industry have a legal responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. If you’ve been the victim of an assault, theft, or other crime due to a property’s lack of security, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Keller Swan Injury Attorneys provides multistate representation in negligent security cases, fighting to hold businesses accountable when they fall short of protecting you.
Understanding Negligent Security and Its Implications
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a legal term that applies when a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, leading to harm or property damage. Property owners, including businesses, landlords, and government entities, are required to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable crimes. When they neglect this duty, they can be held liable for injuries and losses sustained by individuals on their premises. A successful negligent security case must generally prove three elements:
- Duty of Care: The property owner had a responsibility to protect against foreseeable threats.
- Breach of Duty: The property owner failed to provide adequate security measures.
- Injury or Loss: The victim suffered injury or damage due to this lack of security.
Examples of negligent security include:
- Poorly lit parking lots
- Faulty or broken locks on doors or windows
- Inadequate fencing or barriers
- Non-functioning security cameras or alarms
- Lack of trained security personnel in high-risk areas
- Unmarked emergency exits
Negligent security cases are often complex, involving a detailed analysis of what security measures were appropriate for the property. An experienced attorney can evaluate the property’s history, local crime rates, and other critical factors to build a strong case.
Notable Negligent Security Cases in the U.S. (2013–2024)
Over the last decade, several high-profile negligent security cases in the U.S. have highlighted the importance of adequate security measures. These cases underscore the serious consequences of insufficient security.
1. Atlanta Nightclub Case (2014):
A prominent Atlanta nightclub was held liable after a patron was attacked in a dimly lit parking lot. The case resulted in a $5 million settlement, emphasizing the need for well-lit, monitored parking areas in high-traffic nightlife venues.
2. Houston Apartment Complex Shooting (2019):
In Houston, a man was shot in his apartment complex’s parking lot due to poor security and a broken gate. The jury awarded the victim’s family $10 million, highlighting the necessity of functional gates and adequate security in residential complexes.
3. Miami Hotel Assault (2023):
A tourist was assaulted in a Miami hotel elevator due to malfunctioning security cameras and lack of security personnel. The case settled for $8 million, bringing national attention to the need for working security systems in hotel premises.
These cases illustrate the severe repercussions of neglecting security measures, with businesses paying millions in damages for failing to protect their guests.
Pursuing a Negligent Security Claim and FAQ
Steps to Take After a Negligent Security Incident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an incident due to inadequate security, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here are essential steps to strengthen your claim:
1. Document the Incident:
Gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the scene, including poorly lit areas, broken cameras, faulty locks, or any other factors that contributed to the incident.
2. Seek Medical Attention:
Ensure that you get a thorough medical evaluation for any injuries. Medical documentation will not only aid your recovery but also serve as valuable evidence in your case.
3. Report the Incident:
Report the incident to property management or local authorities to create an official record. Police or property incident reports may provide additional evidence for your case.
4. Consult with an Attorney:
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of a negligent security case. They can also gather witness statements, review security footage, and consult experts to build a strong claim.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Negligent Security Case
Victims of negligent security incidents may recover several types of damages:
- Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Past and future medical bills associated with the injury.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and lost earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Replacement or repair costs for stolen or damaged property.
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded for the diminished quality of life resulting from the incident.
- Emotional Trauma: Compensation for psychological harm, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Punitive Damages
- Awarded in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages serve to penalize the property owner and deter similar misconduct in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about Negligent Security
- What types of properties are responsible for providing security?
Any property open to the public or with an expectation of safety, such as hotels, restaurants, apartment complexes, malls, and workplaces, must provide adequate security measures. - How do you prove negligent security in a claim?
Evidence of insufficient security measures, such as poor lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel, helps establish negligence. Witness testimony, crime statistics, and expert analysis also support claims. - Can I sue if I was injured by another person’s actions on a property?
Yes, if the property owner’s lack of security contributed to the incident, you may have grounds to pursue a claim against them. - How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit?
Most states have a statute of limitations ranging from two to four years. It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to preserve your rights. - Do I still have a case if I wasn’t seriously injured?
Yes, but the potential compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, property damage, and any emotional distress experienced. - Who is liable in a negligent security case?
Typically, the property owner or manager is liable, but security companies or third-party contractors may also share responsibility if they failed to uphold proper safety measures. - Can the property owner argue that I was partially at fault?
Yes, property owners may argue comparative negligence, suggesting that your actions contributed to the incident. An attorney can help counter these claims to maximize your compensation. - What if I’m attacked in a well-known “high-crime” area?
High-crime areas may still require adequate security. In fact, the risk may increase the property owner’s duty to provide additional safety measures. - Is my compensation guaranteed if the property owner is found liable?
Not necessarily. Compensation depends on the property owner’s insurance coverage, assets, and any legal caps on damages in your state. - Should I hire an attorney for a minor incident?
Even for minor cases, consulting an attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. An attorney can clarify your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Why Choose Keller Swan Injury Attorneys for Your Negligent Security Case?
Keller Swan Injury Attorneys has a proven track record of holding property owners accountable for inadequate security. Our experienced attorneys have successfully handled numerous negligent security cases, providing clients with the expertise and resources needed to win.
- Extensive Knowledge: With years of experience in negligent security law, we understand the nuances of these cases and can identify liability.
- Multistate Reach: We serve clients in Multistate of the U.S., offering comprehensive legal support no matter your location.
- Client-Centered Approach: Our clients’ well-being is our top priority. We are dedicated to securing the compensation and justice you deserve.
Recent Successes in Negligent Security Cases
At Keller Swan, we have successfully resolved complex negligent security cases for clients nationwide:
- $2.5 Million Settlement: A mall shooting in California resulted in severe injuries to our client. We demonstrated the property owner’s negligence in failing to provide adequate security.
- $1.8 Million Settlement: In a high-profile hotel case, our team proved the hotel’s faulty security protocols led to our client’s injuries.
- $3 Million Verdict: Our attorneys won a significant verdict in a case involving a lack of security at an apartment complex, where a resident suffered a violent assault.
Contact Keller Swan Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been a victim of negligent security, don’t wait to take action. Contact Keller Swan Injury Attorneys for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options. Let our team of experienced attorneys provide the support and representation you need to seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
