About Negligent Security
- In Georgia, property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment and implementing appropriate security measures to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal activities.
- Plaintiffs in negligent security cases must demonstrate that the criminal act was reasonably foreseeable due to prior incidents in the area and that the property owner failed to take preventive security actions.
- Injured parties can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, emotional trauma, and other damages resulting from the property owner’s failure to provide adequate security.
Why Hire CSS for a Negligent Security Lawsuit
Property owners in Georgia have a responsibility to keep lawful visitors and occupants on their property reasonably safe from harm. In many situations, that duty includes ensuring that they take appropriate security measures to protect visitors from criminal activity. If you were injured due to a violent crime, committed by a stranger and on another person’s property, you may have grounds for a civil suit.
Working with Childers, Schlueter & Smith for your negligent security case means choosing a law firm that understands the complexities of Georgia premises liability laws and the challenges involved in proving a crime was preventable. Our attorneys have extensive experience investigating these cases, establishing foreseeability, and holding negligent property owners accountable for failing to provide adequate security.
We are dedicated to thoroughly investigating your case by gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and building a compelling argument to maximize your compensation. Whether you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial losses due to a criminal act, our team is committed to securing the justice and restitution you deserve. Contact CSS today for more information or a free case consultation.
Elements of a Negligent Security Claim in Atlanta
Negligent security cases follow the same procedures as most personal injury lawsuits. In order to succeed in a claim, the injured party must show that the property owner in question had an implicit legal obligation—or “duty of care”—to protect them from harm.
Injured parties must also demonstrate that the property owner failed to implement adequate security measures, allowing for criminal activity. Additionally, they must show the losses they suffered as a result of a “foreseeable” criminal act.
“Foreseeable” Criminal Acts
Unlike other personal injury cases, plaintiffs in negligent security claims must prove that the criminal act was “foreseeable.” This means that recent events or circumstances must have made it reasonable to assume there was a risk of particular crimes occurring in the area. Injured parties must also prove that a reasonable property owner could have taken steps to prevent those crimes from occurring.
For example, if multiple robberies have occurred in a particular area recently, a property owner may have an obligation to enact security measures that would reduce the risk of further robberies impacting lawful visitors or occupants on their property. These security measures may include additional fencing, lighting, gates, security cameras, or even security guards.
A skilled Atlanta premises liability attorney familiar with negligent security claims could provide more information about property owners’ responsibilities.
Recoverable Damages Through Successful Litigation
Injured parties who can establish liability can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses resulting from the criminal act. A negligent security attorney in Atlanta could help injured parties seek restitution for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
As with all personal injury cases, there is a filing deadline for negligent security claims. As per the Official Code of Georgia §9-3-33, most prospective plaintiffs must file suit within two years of the accident. Missing the deadline may result in losing the opportunity to claim compensation.
Talk to an Atlanta Negligent Security Attorney Today
Falling victim to a criminal act can be a traumatizing experience. You may find yourself dealing with severe physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. If you believe inadequate security measures played a role in a crime committed against you or a loved one, you should reach out to our firm today. Schedule a consultation with an Atlanta negligent security lawyer to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
A negligent security claim arises when a property owner fails to take reasonable security measures to protect visitors, and a criminal act occurs as a result.
Property owners may be expected to implement fencing, lighting, security cameras, gates, or even security guards, depending on the risk of criminal activity in the area.
You must show that similar crimes have occurred recently in the area and that the property owner should have reasonably predicted the risk and taken steps to prevent it.
Yes, negligent security claims can involve both private and public properties. If the entity responsible for maintaining a public space fails to provide reasonable security measures, you may have grounds for a claim.
You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma related to the crime.
A criminal conviction of the perpetrator is not required to pursue a negligent security claim. Your claim focuses on the property owner’s failure to take preventive security measures, not the criminal proceedings.
