A Strong Security Plan Can Prevent Workplace Tragedies
None of us go to work every day expecting danger, but the truth is that workplace violence and security threats happen more often than we’d like to think. Whether it’s theft, assault, or even a more serious attack, businesses have a responsibility to keep their employees and customers safe. If these companies fail to implement proper security measures, people can get hurt, and those injuries can have lasting consequences.
At Soroka & Associates, we represent people who have been harmed because a business didn’t take security seriously. If you or someone you love has been injured due to negligent security, legal action may be an option. But before we dive into that, let’s talk about what businesses should be doing to protect their employees and customers.
What makes a strong workplace security plan?
A good security plan isn’t just about having cameras or hiring a security guard. It’s about being prepared for different types of threats. Here are five key security actions every business should have in place.
Clear security protocols
Whether it’s an active threat, a fire, or a medical emergency, there should be a clear plan in place. Do employees know what to do in the event of an emergency? They should know:
- How to contact security or emergency services
- Where to go during an evacuation
- How to lock down a facility if needed
With no clear plan, people can panic – which can make a bad situation even worse.
Emergency drills
Practicing for emergency situations may seem unnecessary until an actual emergency occurs. Businesses should hold regular drills for different security scenarios, including:
- Fire evacuations
- Lockdowns
- Active shooter situations
- Medical emergencies
Drills help employees react quickly and confidently when something goes wrong. The more they practice, the better prepared they’ll be in a real crisis.
Training on identifying threats
Typically, workplace violence doesn’t happen out of nowhere. In many cases, there are warning signs. Employees should be trained to recognize these signs, like:
- Verbal threats or aggressive behavior
- Coworkers expressing fear or concern about someone
- A customer or employee who seems unstable or is acting erratically
When people know what to look for, they can report concerns before a situation turns dangerous.
Regular security updates
Threats can evolve, and so should security training. Businesses must stay up to date with the latest safety measures, whether that means updating security equipment, reviewing emergency plans, or retraining employees. Security isn’t a “one and done” deal. It requires continuous improvement.
Easy and confidential reporting procedures
Employees should feel comfortable reporting security concerns without fear of retaliation. A good system allows workers to report:
- Suspicious behavior
- Security vulnerabilities (like broken locks or poor lighting)
- Threats from customers, coworkers, or even strangers
If a business doesn’t take reports seriously or doesn’t have a reporting system at all, it’s failing to protect its employees and customers.
What happens when businesses ignore security concerns?
Unfortunately, many businesses may cut corners when it comes to security. Maybe they don’t want to spend the money on equipment or training. They might assume, “Nothing bad will ever happen here.” But when businesses fail to take security seriously, people can suffer life-altering injuries or worse. Some common examples of negligent security include the following:
- A lack of security personnel with no guards on duty when they’re needed.
- Poorly lit parking lots, making it easier for criminals to hide.
- Broken locks or unsecured entrances, allowing unauthorized people to enter restricted areas.
- No emergency plans or training, leaving employees with knowledge of what to do when danger strikes.
If a business could have reasonably prevented an attack, injury, or incident—but failed to—then it may be legally responsible for what happened. That’s where negligent security law comes in.
Can I take legal action if I’m injured due to negligent security?
If you or a loved one were hurt because a business failed to provide reasonable security, you may have the right to file a negligent security claim. These types of cases typically involve:
- Assaults or attacks due to inadequate security measures
- Injuries from robberies or other violent crimes on business property
- Harm caused by failures in security, like broken locks or lack of lighting
To prove a negligent security case, you generally need to show:
- The business should have known about the security risk.
- They failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
- That failure led to your injury.
If you’re not sure whether you have a case, talking to an experienced attorney can help. At Soroka & Associates, our Columbus negligent security lawyers can review your situation, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is the value of my Columbus negligent security case?
If you file a negligent security claim, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages, which is the money lost from missing work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering, which is compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the attack or injury.
- Other related costs, including things like transportation to medical appointments or home modifications if you were severely injured.
The exact amount depends on your case, but the goal is to help you recover and move forward.
Negligent security cases are time-sensitive. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to gather evidence or file a claim. If you or a loved one was injured due to a business’s failure to provide proper security, don’t wait. At Soroka & Associates, our Columbus negligent security lawyers understand how devastating these incidents can be. We’re here to help you hold negligent businesses accountable and get the justice you deserve. Your safety matters. If a business doesn’t take it seriously, it should be held responsible. Please call us today or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.