Negligent Security
Maryland property owners are responsible for ensuring that guests on their premises are not the victims of foreseeable crimes. When property owners fail to provide adequate protection and a crime is committed on their premises, they may be held liable for resulting injuries. You need a negligent security lawyer with the experience and skills to handle your premises liability claim. If you or a loved one was a victim of a crime due to negligent security, act fast and seek legal counsel.
A Maryland negligent security lawyer at the Maryland Accident Law Firm can protect your rights and best interests if you have been harmed and suffered losses due to a negligent property owner. We proudly serve clients in the Baltimore metropolitan area, throughout Maryland, and northern Virginia.
What Is a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
Negligent security lawsuits can be brought if you were attacked or victimized on someone else’s property. Family members also have the right to file a claim if a loved one was killed on someone else’s property. If the owner or entity responsible for supervising the property knew or should have known of the danger but did little or nothing to prevent unsuspecting visitors from being attacked on the premises, they may be liable for resulting harm and losses.
The reasonableness of a property owner’s actions is determined by what they knew or should have known regarding the likelihood that a crime would be committed against one of its guests. If an establishment is in a high crime area or has seen crimes against visitors in the past, the property owner is put on notice and can be held responsible for crimes on that premises.
Factors that are considered when evaluating the adequacy of security include:
- Whether security guards are present.
- Whether there is adequate lighting in the area.
- Whether there were previous crimes on the property.
- Whether security measures are adequate in a high crime area.
What Type of Establishments Need to Provide Security?
Negligent security generally involves commercial, business, or retail environments. Property owners who open their premises to the public for business have an increased duty of care to keep their patrons safe. When people visit public places, they should be able to expect a higher level of safety and security.
In some cases, a residential property owner may be held liable for injuries caused by a criminal act. Certain neighborhoods in the Baltimore metropolitan area are more dangerous than others. Residential property owners should know the dangers posed by circumstances in their community.
The following establishments need to provide security:
- Shopping centers and malls
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and motels
- Restaurants
- Sports venues
- Amusement parks
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Office buildings
- Bars and nightclubs
- Casinos
- Train and bus stations
- Airports
- Schools and daycare centers
- Residential properties
What Are Examples of Negligent Security?
There are many ways a property owner should keep their premises safe from criminal activity. Property owners who fail to take appropriate safety measures in a high crime area or after a crime on their property can be subject to a premises liability lawsuit.
Examples of what may constitute negligent security include:
- Store owner fails to install adequate lighting in a parking garage or parking lot.
- No security guards throughout a shopping mall.
- Property owner neglects to ensure security guards are properly trained.
- Landlord fails to ensure proper locks are installed on residents’ doors.
- Property owner fails to install and monitor security cameras where needed.
- Property owner neglects to install gates or fences.
- Property owner fails to install proper alarms in appropriate places.
What Crimes May Be Committed Due to Negligent Security?
No one expects to face the trauma of a crime when going shopping or leaving work for the day. Unfortunately, dangerous crimes are committed every day in Baltimore as a result of negligent security.
Examples of crimes that may be committed due to negligent security include:
- Simple assault
- Aggravated assault
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Assault and battery
- Verbal assault
- Robbery
- Sexual assault
- Rape
- Homicide
You need a compassionate lawyer who understands the physical pain and emotional trauma that accompanies a criminal attack. Your lawyer will treat your case with the utmost care.
Who Is Liable if I Suffer an Injury Due to Negligent Security?
Identifying and proving liability are key aspects of a negligent security case. An experienced lawyer can fight to hold the liable parties accountable for your injury.
Parties who may be held liable for your negligence security injury include:
- Commercial property owners
- Commercial management companies
- Residential property owners
- Retail store managers
- Security companies
- Landlords
- Criminals
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Negligent Security Case?
The compensation you may recover after being victimized on someone else’s property due to negligent security depends on the nature of the crime and the extent of your injuries. Compensation you may be able to recover includes:
- Current and future medical bills
- Costs for ongoing care
- Mental health treatment
- Physical rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
If property owners act willfully or recklessly in causing harm, courts may order them to pay punitive damages. This serves as punishment and a deterrent for committing future acts of gross negligence.
If the negligent security led to the preventable death of a loved one, you may have a wrongful death lawsuit. A lawyer can help family members seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium or support.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Negligent Security Case?
Unfortunately, some property owners ignore their legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe and secure. The Baltimore metropolitan area sees a variety of crimes committed against innocent victims due to inadequate lighting or security on a wide range of properties. These incidents can be devastating for both victims and their loved ones.
If you were attacked or victimized on someone else’s property, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover your financial and emotional losses. A negligent security lawyer can do the following:
- Thoroughly investigate the premises liability incident.
- Gather evidence.
- Identify negligent parties.
- Calculate appropriate compensation.
- Handle negotiations with opposing representatives.
- Take your case to trial when appropriate.
- Help ensure you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Maryland Negligent Security Lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm Can Help You With Your Complex Premises Liability Claim
Our Maryland negligent security lawyers at Maryland Accident Law Firm are dedicated to providing the best possible representation. We can help you fight for justice after a negligent security incident. To learn more, fill out our online form. Located in Baltimore, we serve clients throughout Maryland as well as northern Virginia.