According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 277 active shooter scenarios occurred throughout the United States between 2000 and 2018. More than 1,500 people suffered injuries, and an additional 884 died in these attacks. Of all of the incidents that took place during this time period, nearly half occurred in places of commerce, such as malls, retail stores, and office buildings.
Tragic events happen a lot these days, and property owners can only do much to prevent them. However, they have a duty to take reasonable measures to prevent harm from occurring to their patrons. Adequate security plays an essential role in keeping invitees and guests safe from preventable injuries in businesses and other public spaces, and when property owners fail to provide it, third-parties may find it easier to inflict harm upon their victims.
If you or someone you love suffered a serious or fatal injury that the property owner failed to take measures to prevent, a Louisville negligent security lawyer can help you determine if you have a case. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today at (844) 730-5111 to speak with us about your case.
Types of Security Measures That Can Increase Safety
Businesses and property owners should take steps to help deter criminals and keep guests safe. The security needs of every business vary depending on its location, hours of operation, and other factors that could impact the safety of those who visit, but they may include:
- Visible surveillance cameras
- Adequate lighting in walking and parking areas
- Security staff
- Training on security policies for employees
- Clearly marked emergency exits
If you suffered an injury as the result of a business owner’s failure to provide basic security measures, you may qualify for compensation in your case.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent security lawyer serving Louisville, call (844) 730-5111
Negligent Security Cases Can Occur in Different Types of Public Places
Negligent security cases typically involve property that the public can access freely. Guests, residents, and visitors can become victims of assault in places such as:
- Parking garages
- Retail stores
- Event venues
- Restaurants and bars
- College dormitories
- Apartment complexes
- Office buildings
- Shopping malls
- Movie theaters
When you file a negligent security case for your injury or the loss of your loved one, you can seek compensation from the property owner, whether an individual or an organization, whose negligence allowed for the circumstances that led to your injury. These cases do not involve holding the perpetrator responsible in a criminal court, but pursuing a civil case against the property owner does not prevent the perpetrator from potentially facing criminal charges in separate proceedings.
Even if you achieve compensation in your case, the perpetrator may still receive fines, probation, or jail time for their crimes, so you do not have to worry that one case may interfere with the other. Contact the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC online today to get started on your case as soon as possible.
Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-5111
A Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer Can Determine Liability in Your Case
Kentucky takes a common law approach to premises liability law, which refers to cases in which victims suffer injuries on someone else’s property. Common law holds that the property owner’s duty to a visitor depends on their designation, which includes:
- Trespasser: A person who had no right to occupy the premises
- Licensee: A person with a special license or consent to occupy the premises from the owner
- Invitee: A person who enters onto the premises for the purposes of business
Under Kentucky law, property owners cannot knowingly let licensees encounter dangerous conditions on the property, but they owe reasonable care to invitees. This means that invitees should enter the premises with the reassurance that the property owner has taken preventive measures to ensure their safety. Some victims of negligent security cases, such as renters, shoppers, and diners, qualify as invitees and may seek compensation from the property owner for their injuries.
Once a lawyer has determined your designation, they can gather more evidence from your case to prove that the property could have foreseen the incident and prevented your injury. Considerations include:
- The victim’s relationship with the business owner
- Prior incidents at the location
- Recorded criminal activity in the proximity of the business
- Whether or not the business owner had received complaints about security
- Whether or not the business owner knew of an immediate threat and failed to correct it
After an attorney proves the negligence of the property owner in your case, they can help you seek financial recovery for your injuries.
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Financial Awards in Negligent Security Cases
You may qualify for one or more types of financial awards for the injuries or loss you suffered in your negligent security case, including compensation for:
- Emergency medical care, rehabilitation, operations, follow-up care, medical equipment, medications, and other healthcare costs related to your injury
- Lost wages for the time you missed at work to recover
- Loss of future income if you cannot return to work because of your injuries or you lost a loved one who provided you with financial support
- Property damage for any personal belongings you lost or damaged
- Pain and suffering for emotional, mental, and physical distress
- Funeral and burial expenses if you lost a loved one
A Louisville negligent security lawyer can evaluate your damages and pursue just compensation on your behalf.
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Kentucky Statutes of Limitations on Negligent Security Claims
Victims of negligent security and their families have a certain amount of time, known as a statute of limitations, within which they can file a claim against the liable party. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 413.140, victims who wish to file a personal injury claim usually have only one year to pursue legal action. A lawyer can help you get started on your claim right away to avoid potential delays and filing deadlines.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today to Get Started
Business owners have a responsibility to keep you safe from preventable harm. If you suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to the failure of a proprietor to maintain adequate security, the lawyers at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you hold them accountable for the damages you incurred. Contact our legal team today at (844) 730-5111 for your free case evaluation.
Call or text (844) 730-5111 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
