California businesses have a legal responsibility to keep their patrons safe from preventable harm by implementing reasonable safety measures. When they fail to do so, injuries may occur. Negligent security cases present serious safety problems, and they often cause widespread injury and even death.
You deserve to enjoy a night out, a dinner with family and friends, or an event with your children without the imminent threat of danger. If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to the negligent security of a premise, our attorneys can help. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-5111 to talk about seeking compensation for your case.
Defining Negligent Security
California Civil Code § 1714 categorizes negligent security as a form of premises liability, a type of law that holds property owners responsible for maintaining the safety of others while on their premises. This section of the California code states that property owners have an obligation to prevent visitors from injury through the reasonable care and security of their property.
This applies to several safety measures, including the provision of adequate security. When property owners do not exercise reasonable care in keeping visitors safe from the dangerous acts of others and injuries occur, they may face negligent security claims. A Los Angeles negligent security lawyer can help you determine if you have a negligent security case.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent security lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (844) 730-5111
Dangers of Negligent Security
Businesses should prioritize the safety of all who enter their properties. While unfortunate circumstances can occur despite adequate security, the odds of an attack taking place, and the extent of its harm may lessen with active security features.
Clear and discernable safety measures not only provide guests with peace of mind, but a study conducted at the Urban Institute Justice Policy Center suggests that knowledge of cameras may also deter criminals from carrying out unlawful acts. These acts may include:
- Physical altercations
- Muggings
- Manslaughter
- Homicide
- Sexual assaults
- Robbery
- Abduction
- Harassment
Inadequate security measures can result in many types of physical, emotional, and mental distress, some of which may have long-term effects. The attorneys at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you pursue accountability and compensation.
Los Angeles Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-5111
Determining Liability in Negligent Security Cases
Victims of negligent security should note that these claims do not involve holding the perpetrator accountable. The perpetrator may face charges in a criminal court, in which a judge may impose fines or incarceration as punishment for their criminal behavior. A negligent security case takes place in a civil court, where the claim is filed against the property owner whose failure to ensure proper security led to injuries or fatalities.
Negligent security claims require in-depth investigation to gather the appropriate evidence and prove the liability of the property owner. An article in the Washington and Lee Law Review notes that while all business owners have a duty to protect their patrons from the unlawful acts of third parties, tests for measuring the proper level of security vary. In general, the tests determine:
- If the property owner had reason to believe that a patron may be affected by an active or imminent crime and failed to provide warning or contact authorities.
- If prior incidents made criminal acts foreseeable.
- The current security measures taken by the property owner.
- The level of accountability of the property owner based on the aforementioned factors.
If you suffered injuries due to a criminal act committed by a third party at a place of business, a Los Angeles negligent security lawyer can help you gather the information you need to seek justice.
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Holding Property Owners Accountable
Security plays an important role in protecting individuals from harm regardless of business size, location, and purpose. Establishments that victims may file negligent security claims against include:
- Stores and shopping centers
- Concert and event venues
- Restaurants, coffee shops, and bars
- Nightclubs and entertainment facilities
- Medical facilities
- Schools, daycares, and colleges
- Office buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Parking decks, lots, and garages
- Government-owned properties
A commercial property owner typically holds responsibility for the provision of sufficient security. Depending on the specifics of the case, liability sometimes falls on a local government or a party hired by the property owner, such as a property management company or security company. An attorney can help you determine liability in your negligent security case.
Examples of Appropriate Security Measures
In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) began funding its first firearm injury and mortality prevention research projects. While the federal government digs deeper into the root of this public health crisis, property owners must act on an individual level to combat this issue through the implementation of security measures. While the security needs of business and organizations vary, they may include:
- Visible, functioning security cameras
- Adequate lighting surrounding the facility and parking areas
- Clearly marked emergency exits
- Training employees regarding the maintenance of safe premises and a protocol for breaches of security
- Employment of professional security staff
If a property owner’s failure to provide you with a reasonable level of security led to your injury or trauma, a Los Angeles negligent security lawyer can evaluate their security measures at the time of the incident to help you prove liability.
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How a Negligent Security Lawyer Can Help You
Negligent security cases can be difficult to manage by yourself, but you do not have to suffer in silence. An attorney can act as your voice in court and handle the aspects of filing a negligent security claim against a property owner. They can help you hold the responsible individual or business accountable and attempt to recover financial awards for your losses. You may qualify for compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and/or loss of future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
Compensation depends on the specifics of your case.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
If you suffered injuries or the loss of a loved one due to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security, Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help. Our attorneys take pride in their commitment to each client.
We can advocate for you to help you seek justice, recover losses, and guide you toward healing and recovery. Contact our legal team today at (844) 730-5111 for your free case evaluation.
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