When you visit a business, you expect that you will be safe. However, if the property owner has inadequate security measures, you can be injured on the property. The property owner may be held responsible for compensating you for the harm.
Negligent security overview
Property owners have a duty to provide a reasonable level of safety and security to their visitors or customers, so they are protected from foreseeable criminal acts that could occur. These acts may include assault and battery, kidnapping and in serious cases, wrongful death.
There are several examples of negligent security by a property owner. These include failing to install adequate lighting, not installing cameras on the property, and not having security personnel on site in areas known for criminal activity. These security measures should be in parking lots surrounding the business and within it.
To prove a claim for negligent security, you must demonstrate several elements. You must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the criminal activity on the premises, that you were injured, and that the owner’s failure to put reasonable security measures in place contributed to the injury.
Injuries
When criminals are aware that there is negligent security on a property, you may be more likely to be injured through a physical assault or robbery because visitors on the property are more vulnerable to having their belongings taken. This could leave you with cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
You can also suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can make it difficult to resume normal activities.
