If you are attacked on another’s property, do you have any legal rights to hold the property owner accountable? The southeast’s negligent security laws say that you do. Negligent security is a legal concept few have heard of, but one that everyone should be aware of in the event that an attack happens to them.
Basically, negligent security cases arise after an attack when it is suspected that unsafe premises failed to deter crime — or in some cases, actually encouraged criminal activity.
For more information about negligent security lawsuits, please call The Shelnutt & Varner Law Firm at 256-547-4988 to arrange a complimentary review of your case at our office.
Premises Liability
Under premises liability laws, property owners and managers have a legal duty to keep their grounds safe. This includes remedying physical hazards like spills, unstable shelving or flooring, broken stairs, and others. This also includes maintaining the overall safety of the premises from a standpoint of criminal activity.
So, how could a property invite criminal activity? Say that you are in a deserted mall parking lot at night. Most of the lot is well-lit, except for the area where your car is parked where there are only a few lights. This can be interpreted as an unsafe environment and one that criminals are likely to target. If you are attacked in an unsafe environment, you may have a legal right to hold the property owner accountable for the injuries and emotional trauma that occurred as a result of the inadequate lighting.
Other examples of negligent security include broken locks, malfunctioning cameras or security equipment, broken windows or screens, holes in fencing, and other hazards that should have been fixed.
Compensation for Victims
At The Shelnutt & Varner Law Firm, our attorney team stands up for victims who were raped, robbed, assaulted, or killed as a result of negligent security. Our personal injury team works hard to get victims monetary compensation to help ease the burden of an attack. We’ll fight to not only prove the owner or manager was negligent, but we’ll also work with accountants and medical experts to get you monetary damages to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other costs that resulted from the injury. You may even be entitled to collect damages for pain and suffering and emotional trauma.
If you’ve been attacked or injured as a result of a property owner’s negligent security, talk to an experienced attorney. To get answers on your rights to compensation, please contact The Shelnutt & Varner Law Firm by phone at 256-547-4988 or through our online form.