Any time you enter another person’s property, you rely on them to warn you of hazards and prevent harm from coming to you. Unfortunately, not all property owners take reasonable steps to protect their visitors from the threat of crime.
If you have been the victim of a violent crime and have incurred medical expenses as a result, a knowledgeable premises liability attorney can provide valuable insight. While you may be able to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator, it is not uncommon for the identity of the attacker to be unknown. In either case, you may still be able to obtain monetary compensation for your injuries by working with a Morrow negligent security lawyer. You could recover damages from the owner of the property where the crime took place if there were inadequate security measures at the time of the incident.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims
If a property owner does not take sufficient steps to protect against foreseeable security risks, they may be held liable for any incidents of violence or crime that occur on the property. This is because the owner has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for those who visit. Failure to do so may be considered negligent, and the owner could face civil liability for any harm or injury that results.
The key issue in these cases is foreseeability. A property owner is not responsible for every criminal act that occurs on the premises, especially if they make reasonable efforts to prevent it. Criminal acts are foreseeable when a property owner knows or should have known that this type of crime commonly occurs in the area.
Despite their best efforts, property owners can only do so much to prevent crime from occurring. Reasonable steps could include notifying tenants of increased criminal acts, updating security cameras, or hiring on-site security. A Morrow negligent security attorney can review the efforts made by a property owner to determine if the steps they took were reasonable.
Damages in a Negligent Security Case
A negligent security lawsuit is a type of civil case, which means the outcome of a successful claim is a monetary award from the defendant to the plaintiff. There are different types of damages a Morrow inadequate security attorney can recover, including:
Medical Bills
Many criminal acts result in physical or emotional harm. The treatment required for these injuries can be costly, especially for anyone without health insurance. When a negligent security lawsuit is successful, it can result in compensation for the cost of medical care.
Lost Wages
Some people injured during a criminal act are unable to return to work right away. In these cases, they could recover their lost wages with an injury lawsuit against the property owner.
Non-Economic Damages
A person who suffered a traumatic episode or who experienced significant pain from injuries could request damages for their psychological harm or diminished quality of life.
Consult with a Morrow Negligent Security Attorney Today
Any criminal act—from theft to a violent assault—can leave you upset and shaken. In some cases, it could also result in serious physical, emotional, and financial repercussions.
If a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect you from being victimized, they could be liable for your harm. Contact a Morrow negligent security lawyer and set up a free consultation.
