A negligent security claim is a form of civil action that can be filed when an individual sustains injuries or loses their life due to inadequate security measures in a public setting. This could pertain to various establishments, such as eateries, drinking establishments, or residential complexes. Negligent security claims arise when the responsible proprietor fails to implement suitable precautions for the protection of their customers, potentially warranting a claim for negligent security.
Negligent security refers to the failure of a business owner to establish adequate security measures to safeguard their customers and clients from crime or accidents. It can be observed in various settings such as shopping centers, accommodations, eateries, residential buildings, and even medical facilities. The legal obligations impose on business owners the duty to adopt reasonable precautions to shield their customers from foreseeable harm. These precautionary measures encompass ensuring proper illumination, employing security personnel, installing reliable locks, implementing perimeter defenses, and providing specialized training to the staff.
When a person is a victim of crime, negligent security may be to blame. Negligent security cases are heard under premise liability law. When a person is injured on someone’s property, they may have the elements necessary to bring this third party case to court.
When a person owns or cares for a property, they have a duty to ensure that any hazards are taken care of properly. They are tasked with the responsibility of keeping visitors and tenants safe. Crime is one of those hazards. A property owner must provide security in such a way that crime is prevented. While crime cannot be eliminated, a property owner must take steps to reduce the chances of it occurring.
For example, a person who rents an apartment may be able to take steps to ensure that the inside of their apartment is safe, but they have no control over common areas, stairwells or parking lots. When the owner of the building fails to install adequate lighting, secured entryways or other measures and a tenant falls victim to crime that results in injury, the victim may be able to sue the property owner for negligent security.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury in Pensacola as the result of a crime, reach out to an experienced premise liability attorney. An attorney can review the facts of your case and help you determine if you have the legal elements needed for a successful lawsuit.
To establish liability for negligent security, you need to demonstrate that your harm was caused by the actions of a third party. Typically, this third party is unrelated to the property owner. However, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence contributed to the harm you suffered. Examples of negligence may include insufficient illumination, inadequate security measures, and absence of fencing.
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