AMERICA'S BEST NEGLIGENT SECURITY LAWYERS

WHAT IS NEGLIGENT SECURITY?

Negligent security will almost always fall under premises liability laws. It can happen on a commercial or residential premises and the owner of the property is usually held liable if security was found negligent in preventing an injury. Some of the places where negligent security incidents can occur are:

• Malls
• Grocery stores
• Parking lots or garages
• Office buildings
• Apartment buildings
• Government buildings
• Amusement parks
• Sporting events
• Universities or schools
• Concert venues

Of course, there are many more places where injuries can result because of negligent security but these are among the most common ones. For some of these places, security guards are in place, but it is possible for other types of security measures to be used for certain establishments.

WHAT CONSTITUTES NEGLIGENT SECURITY?

Owners can take a number of different measurements to install adequate security. Neglecting to make sure these measurements are maintained or monitored properly is part of what constitutes negligent security. Some examples of negligent security can include:

• Inadequate Lighting

Dim lighting can result in bumps with objects that are difficult to see and can sometimes encourage criminal behavior on the premises. Not all establishments are required to be brightly lit, but changing light bulbs and ensuring people can see their surroundings are necessary for adequate security.

• Insufficient Security Systems

Security systems such as cameras, alarms, or locking mechanisms on doors are required by most establishments to have. Maintaining these security systems and making sure they are sufficiently monitored so they can function is also required by law.

Different levels of security are required for different establishments, so it is important to know what the minimum required security systems are needed on certain properties when building a case for negligent security.

• Lack of Security Guards

For places like bars, concert venues, and nightclubs, security guards may be required to have on the premises during certain hours. Not having any security guards or hiring untrained ones can result in an injury and be a strong start for a negligent security claim.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE SECURITY?

Briefly mentioned above, adequate security will depend on state laws and the type of establishment. Places that are open to the general public will usually not need very strict security measures, for example, most grocery stores only have a camera system and security alarms and this is sufficient for security in this case.

On the other hand, night clubs will almost always have to have multiple security guards on staff during nighttime hours. This more stringent level of adequate security is mostly because these places serve alcohol and are open into the later hours of the night. Criminal activity is much more likely when it is late in the night and alcohol is involved.

Also, if there have been crimes on the premises, it is up to the owner of the property to speak with a lawyer about potentially having to install greater security measures. Neglecting to address criminal activity that is happening on your property can also be grounds for a negligent security injury claim if someone is injured because of this criminal activity.