When inadequate security on public or private property leads to people being assaulted or injured, it is a form of negligence. In such cases, property owners and/or other entities involved can be held accountable for the injuries, damages and losses with a premises liability lawsuit. The law firm of d’Oliveira & Associates has released a new website addressing this issue and how victims injured by this kind of negligence may pursue their legal rights.
Where Such Negligence Could Occur
Many of us, during the course of our everyday lives, walk in and out of a number of locations that are monitored by guards, surveillance cameras and other security systems. Of course, we tend not to give such handling of security much thought as our experiences at the locations are generally without any incidents. However, negligence at some of these places can lead to injuries for visitors. Here are just a few locations where inadequate security could cause injury:
- Shopping malls: Mall owners and property managers have a legal obligation to keep their centers safe and secure. Inadequate security or lighting in a parking lot or parking structure, for example, can trigger sexual assaults or robberies at these locations. Poor security emboldens criminals to act. Sometimes, mall security guards are inexperienced or poorly trained, which makes them ineffective.
- College campuses: News of college students or visitors being assaulted on college campuses is becoming more and more common these days. Colleges and universities have a duty to their students, employees and visitors to keep the premises safe and secure.
- Hotels: As hotel guests, we often rely on the hotel to provide proper security. As guests, we are unable to assess the danger a neighborhood poses. Hotel owners and managers have a duty to ensure that all rooms, common areas, parking lots and garages are well-secured and protected.
- Bars and nightclubs: When bars or nightclubs lack proper security, people could end up being assaulted, seriously injured or even killed. Most bars and nightclubs hire bouncers or other security guards to maintain order.
- Apartment complexes: Property owners and managers of apartment complexes have a duty to keep tenants safe from crimes that they reasonably know, or should know, could occur on their premises. Examples include putting quality door locks, installing an electronic locking mechanism on common entrances to the apartment complex or employing security guards to look for suspicious activity on the premises.
What is Your Case Worth?
If a property owner or manager is found to be negligent for failing to provide adequate security, their insurance company will usually compensate victims for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Insurance companies calculate pain based on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered and the short- and long-term consequences suffered by the victim. The greater the extent of the injury, the more your claim will be worth.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to inadequate security, you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. The experienced attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates can provide the help and resources you need during this difficult time. We do not charge a fee unless we get an award or settlement for you. Please call us toll free for a free case evaluation at 1-800-992-6878, or fill out a contact form.