According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), more than 270 active shooter incidents took place in the United States between 2000 and 2018, leading to the injury or loss of 2,430 lives. Nearly half of these incidents occurred in places of commerce, such as shopping malls and other public businesses.
As acts of violence increase in frequency seemingly overnight, business owners have an obligation to take special precautions to protect their staff and patrons from potential harm. Many of these cases occur sporadically, but sufficient security measures can help prevent or minimize the damage that outside threats cause. When businesses do not take the proper steps to ensure safety, serious and fatal injuries can occur.
If you suffered injuries or lost someone you love due to inadequate security at a public place, a Columbus negligent security lawyer could help you seek compensation from the liable party. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-5111 to discuss your case with our legal team.
The Basics of Negligent Security Cases
Negligent security falls under a type of civil law known as premises liability, in which someone suffers an injury on another person’s property as the result of a dangerous condition. Business owners have a responsibility to keep not only the physical aspects of their facilities safe for guests to use, but they must also implement security measures based on several factors. A Washington and Lee Law Review article summarizes these factors, which include:
- Whether the business’ current security system, if any, has proven successful
- The rate of relevant crime in the area, such as assaults or burglaries
- Their response to immediate dangers
- Their knowledge of prior incidents that occurred on the property
- Whether or not they can reasonably expect that a dangerous situation will take place
Most negligent security cases involve commercial property owners as opposed to private property owners. Victims could seek compensation from private property owners in a premises liability case if they suffered an injury on or because of a private resident’s personal property.
If a Columbus business owner failed to use the appropriate security measures to ensure the safety of you or your loved one that led to injury or death, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, could help you hold them accountable. Contact our legal team at any time, and we will respond as soon as possible to discuss your case with you.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent security lawyer serving Columbus, call (844) 730-5111
Where Negligent Security Cases Occur
Anyone can fall victim to negligent security at any time and at any place. Violence occurs late at night and in broad daylight and can affect anyone. Some examples of what may happen as a result of negligent security include:
- Shootings at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Attacks on public transportation and in parking garages
- Sexual assaults at apartments, condominiums, and other housing complexes
- Stabbings, muggings, and abductions at entertainment venues, shopping malls, or other public places
An attorney can help you pursue legal action against the property owner in your case.
Columbus Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-5111
How a Columbus Negligent Security Lawyer Can Help You Establish Liability in Your Case
To file a negligent security claim against a business owner, you must first prove their actions or failure to act constitute negligence. The criteria for legal negligence in a premises liability case requires proof that the property owner had a duty of care to maintain the victim’s safety, the owner breached that duty by failing to provide adequate security measures, and the victim suffered injuries as a result, which led to the accumulation of significant damages.
A lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to demonstrate the fault of the property owner whose negligence caused your injuries or the loss of your loved one.
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Financial Awards in Negligent Security Cases
The types and amounts of financial recovery you may qualify for in your negligent security claim depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial loss, and other circumstances of your case. They may include compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and other injury-related healthcare costs
- Help accomplishing tasks around your home if you had to hire someone to assist you during your recovery
- Lost wages if you missed time at work due to your injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries led to a disability that prevents you from working, or you lost a loved one who supported you financially
- Loss of consortium, mental anguish, and other psychological damages
- Funeral or burial expenses if you lost a loved one in the incident
A Columbus negligent security lawyer can evaluate your damages and pursue fair compensation for your losses on your behalf.
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Ohio Statutes of Limitations on Negligent Security Claims
Each state has statutes of limitations, or legal time frames, during which victims and their families can pursue premises liability cases against the liable party.
In Ohio, victims generally have up to two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims to seek damages for their own injuries, per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 2305.10(A).
The families of victims who lost their lives usually have a maximum of two years to file wrongful death claims under ORC § 2125.02 (D)(1).
A lawyer can help determine if you could file a claim and how much time you have left to do so. If possible, they could then begin the process for you to help you avoid preventable delays or miss your opportunity to pursue legal action.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Today
If you or someone you love has suffered severe or fatal injuries due to a property owner’s negligence in providing efficient security, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, could help you seek the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not owe us any fees unless we win financial awards for you. Contact our legal team today at (844) 730-5111 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Call or text (844) 730-5111 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form