Negligent Security: Can You Sue a Business for Failing to Keep You Safe?
Mass shootings. Assaults. Thefts. Violent crimes happen every day. While some are unavoidable, many could have been prevented with proper security measures. When a business fails to take reasonable steps to protect its customers, tenants, or visitors, it can be held responsible for the harm that happens.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a company’s negligence – whether in a hotel, parking lot, apartment complex, or office – you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses. At Soroka & Associates, we help victims of negligent security hold businesses accountable for the harm they cause.
What is negligent security?
Negligent security is a legal term referring to a business or property owner failing to provide adequate security, leading to someone getting hurt. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. If they do things like ignoring known risks or fail to take proper precautions, they could be held liable for crimes that happen on their properties.
Negligent security cases often involve places like the following:
- Hotels and motels
- Apartment complexes
- Parking garages and parking lots
- Shopping centers and malls
- Office buildings
- Bars and nightclubs
When businesses cut corners on security, innocent people suffer the consequences. But if a company failed to protect you, you don’t have to face this alone.
How can a business be held responsible for negligent security?
A business can be held accountable for violent crimes on its property if it didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent them. Common examples of negligent security include the following.
- Surveillance cameras can deter crime and provide crucial evidence. If a business doesn’t have cameras in high-risk areas, it may be negligent.
- Dimly lit parking lots, stairwells, or hallways make it easier for criminals to hide and attack unsuspecting victims.
- Apartment complexes and hotels should have secure locks on doors, gates, and entryways. When locks don’t work, tenants and guests are at risk.
- In high-crime areas, businesses may need security personnel to monitor the property and keep people safe.
- If a business knows about prior crimes but doesn’t take action to improve security, it can be held accountable.
A business doesn’t have to prevent every crime, but they do have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect people. When they don’t, and someone gets hurt, they may be legally responsible.
What kinds of injuries can happen due to negligent security?
When businesses fail to provide proper security, the consequences can be devastating. Victims may suffer:
- Gunshot wounds from mass shootings or armed robberies
- Stab wounds from assaults
- Broken bones from attacks or falls while trying to escape danger
- Head injuries from being punched, kicked, or hit
- Emotional trauma from the experience of being attacked or witnessing violence
These injuries can leave you with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical or emotional pain. If you were hurt because of a company’s negligence, you deserve justice.
Can you sue a business for negligent security?
Yes. If a business fails to provide reasonable security and you are injured as a result, you can file a lawsuit against it. To prove your case, you need to show:
- The business had a duty to keep the property reasonably safe.
- They failed to take necessary security measures.
- You were injured because of their negligence.
If you can prove these elements, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What should I do if I’m a victim of negligent security?
If you were attacked, assaulted, or injured on someone else’s property due to negligent security, here’s what you should do:
- Remember, your health comes first. Seek medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible.
- File a police report and document the incident.
- Take photos of the area where the crime happened, including any security cameras, lighting, or broken locks.
- If anyone saw what happened, their testimony could be valuable.
An experienced Columbus negligent security attorney can help you understand your rights and take legal action against the business.
How can your Columbus negligent security lawyers help?
At Soroka & Associates, we fight for victims of negligent security. Our team will do the following:
- Investigate the crime and gather evidence
- Identify security failures that led to your injuries
- Hold negligent businesses accountable
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you were injured due to a business’s failure to provide proper security, we’re here to help. Contact Soroka & Associates today for a free consultation. Your safety matters. If a business puts you at risk, it should be held responsible. Let us fight for you. Please call us today or submit our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our lawyers.