Lawyers who specialize in Dallas negligent security law represent victims of crime who have suffered injuries or other damages due to negligent security measures. Security negligence occurs when property owners, managers, or security companies fail to provide adequate security measures to prevent criminal activity on their premises.
Generally, negligent security claims are brought by people who have been injured or lost their property as a result of inadequate security measures. Visitors, guests, and tenants have a right to expect a reasonably safe environment from property owners, managers, and security companies. In the event of injuries or damages caused by their failure to provide adequate security measures, they can be held liable.
A negligent security claim may arise in a variety of situations, including:
- Assaults or violent crimes: If a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, such as lighting, cameras, or security personnel, and an assault or violent crime occurs on the property, they may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
- Robberies or thefts: A property owner or manager may be held liable for the victim’s losses if they fail to provide adequate security measures, such as locks or alarms.
- Sexual assaults: Suppose a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, such as background checks or security personnel, and a sexual assault occurs on the property. In that case, they may be held liable for the victim’s injuries and damages.
The victim must prove that a reasonable security measure would have prevented the crime in order to bring a negligent security claim. The property owner or manager must also prove that the crime was foreseeable and that the risk of harm was known or should have been known.
Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a negligent security claim may cover other damages resulting from the crime.
What Are Examples of Negligent Security Cases?
The failure to provide adequate security measures on a property can result in negligent security cases. Some examples of negligent security cases include:
- Inadequate Lighting: A property owner or manager fails to provide adequate lighting in a parking lot or common area, making it difficult for visitors to see potential hazards or attackers.
- Lack of Security Personnel: A property owner or manager fails to hire security personnel or provides inadequate security personnel in an area that is known for criminal activity.
- Broken Locks: A property owner or manager fails to repair or replace broken locks or other security devices, allowing unauthorized individuals to gain access to the property.
- Inadequate Surveillance: When property owners or managers fail to install or maintain surveillance cameras, it is difficult to identify criminals.
- Insufficient Screening: A property owner or manager fails to adequately screen tenants or employees, allowing individuals with a history of criminal activity to access the property.
- Failure to Respond to Crime: The property owner or manager fails to respond adequately to reports of criminal activity on the property, allowing the illegal activity to continue.
A negligent security case can take many forms. These are a few examples. A negligent security claim may be able to compensate you for injuries or losses caused by inadequate security measures on a property. Obtaining legal advice and pursuing compensation is important if you have been injured.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Security?
Several parties can be held liable for negligent security, including:
- Property Owners: Property owners have to provide a reasonably safe environment for visitors, guests, and tenants. If a property owner fails to provide adequate security measures, they can be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result.
- Property Managers: Property managers are responsible for ensuring adequate security measures are in place to prevent criminal activity on the property. Property managers can be held responsible for injuries or damages if they fail to provide adequate security measures.
- Security Companies: A security company provides security services for a property. Security companies are liable for injuries or damages if they fail to provide adequate security measures or perform their duties negligently.
- Landlords: The landlord is responsible for ensuring that their tenants are safe on the premises. In the event that a landlord fails to provide adequate security measures, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages.
- Business Owners: Business owners are responsible for providing their customers and employees with a reasonably safe environment. An owner of a business can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by inadequate security measures.
An investigation is often required to identify all responsible parties in a negligent security case, and determining liability can be complex. You should speak with an experienced attorney if you have been injured or suffered losses on a property due to inadequate security measures. An attorney can help you determine who may be liable for your injuries and how to pursue compensation.
What Types of Damages Can You Recover in a Negligent Security Claim?
If you have been injured or suffered losses due to negligent security, you may be entitled to recover damages through a legal claim. The types of injuries that you may be able to recover in a negligent security claim include:
- Medical Expenses: As a result of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover the costs associated with your medical care, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: A lost wage or income claim might be possible if you cannot work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to recover damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your injuries.
- Property Damage: Damages for repairing or replacing property may be recoverable from the criminal.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, you may be entitled to recover punitive damages intended to punish the responsible party for their negligent actions.
It will depend on your case’s specific circumstances, including your injuries and losses, as well as the actions of the responsible party, how much damage you may be able to recover. A skilled attorney can assist you in determining your damages and pursuing a claim for compensation.