Business and property owners have to keep their patrons and tenants reasonably safe from harm. If you were the victim of a violent crime at a bar, restaurant, shopping mall, or other location owned by a third party, you might have a negligent security claim. A Santa Ana negligent security lawyer can assist you with seeking compensation for your injuries and more. Reach out to Ben Crump, PLLC at (844) 730-5111 to get started.
Violent Crime Can Happen to Anyone, Anywhere
Violent crime includes robbery, assault, rape, murder, and manslaughter. Sometimes, becoming a victim may be as simple as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. People can find themselves in a grocery store robbery, school shooting, or nightclub brawl in the blink of an eye, and through no fault of their own. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), more than 3 million Americans were victims of violent crime in 2018, and those numbers have been trending upward since 2015.
Hotels, concert venues, sports arenas, and other businesses and public spaces should have security measures in place to protect employees and patrons. Schools, campuses, and college dorms should take steps to ensure the safety of students and residents. Owners of parking garages, apartment buildings, and housing and office complexes owe it to their tenants to take security precautions.
If you were physically or sexually assaulted, raped, stabbed, shot, or suffered another form of bodily harm during a crime on a business owner or landlord’s property, they could be liable for your damages. Examples of negligent security may include:
- A lack of adequate lighting
- A lack of video surveillance
- A lack of security guards
- Broken door buzzers or intercom systems
- A lack of discretion in giving out keys
- Failure to change locks or make new keys
- Failure to install or maintain alarm systems
- Inadequate door and window locks
If your injuries are the result of negligent security, consider hiring a negligent security lawyer. You deserve compensation for the physical and emotional consequences of the violent crime you suffered. Call Ben Crump, PLLC to reach a team member for your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent security lawyer serving Santa Ana, call (844) 730-5111
A Third Party May Be Your Best Chance for Financial Compensation
You may be wondering why you would seek compensation from a business or property owner instead of the criminal who caused your injuries. Law enforcement will attempt to apprehend and prosecute the person responsible for your violent crime in criminal court. However, financially, you might be able to recover damages through a civil case against a third party.
Property owners often carry liability insurance to pay for accidents on their premises. Criminals, on the other hand, are sometimes never caught and will not cover your expenses. This does not mean you may not also file suit against the person who harmed you. If you choose to sue the perpetrator in civil court, your case is separate from any criminal proceedings, and the outcome of one case does not affect the other.
Santa Ana Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-5111
Pursuing Damages and Proving Your Claims
A Santa Ana negligent security lawyer can help you determine your best course of action for pursuing financial awards. Working with insurance providers can be stressful, and you may feel pressure to accept their offer. But, remember, insurance companies are looking after their own financial interests, not yours. An attorney can help you file your claim, review your offers, and negotiate on your behalf. If you are unable to settle your case outside of court, you can proceed with a lawsuit.
To win compensation, you will need to show:
- You were on the property legally (not trespassing)
- The owner of the property owed you a duty of care
- The owner failed in their duty of care, resulting in your injuries and other damages
The court may also consider whether the property owner should have foreseen the likelihood of a crime. Business and property owners need to consider their property’s location and the type of premises they own. For example, the landlord of an apartment building that has already had multiple break-ins should foresee the possibility of another future crime and take action, like installing cameras or hiring a security guard. A bar owner should consider that serving alcohol may increase the risk of an aggravated assault and employ a bouncer.
If you can prove the property owner’s negligence is the cause of your injuries, you could win awards for any medical care you require. You could also win compensation for your psychological and emotional injuries. Experiencing a violent crime is traumatic. Victims often suffer from depression, insomnia, and anxiety. You might also experience difficulty with work, school, and relationships. You can seek awards for how the crime impacts your life, as well as money to pay for mental health services and help with household expenses while you get back on your feet.
There is no legally defined window of time for settling your case through insurance, though it is a good idea to file your claims as soon as possible. If you take your case to civil court, you have two years to file a suit for personal injury or wrongful death, according to California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1. Do not wait too long to get started on your case.
Helping Victims Stand Up for Their Rights
If you were the victim of a violent crime, you have suffered enough. You should not have to endure further hardships because of medical bills, loss of income, and other costs. At Ben Crump, PLLC, helping victims is what we do.
A Santa Ana negligent security lawyer can help you fight for financial awards to get your life back on track. We have helped other victims of negligent security successfully settle their cases. We can take your case on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. To learn more about how we can assist you, call Ben Crump, PLLC at (844) 730-5111. A member of our team can get you started with a free consultation.
Call or text (844) 730-5111 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
