Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyers

Holding Negligent Property Owners Liable for Poor Security

At Shane Smith Law, our experienced attorneys understand the devastating impact of crimes that occur due to inadequate security measures. Our team of Atlanta negligent security attorneys take pride in representing victims of negligent security throughout the city who have suffered injuries and losses that could have been prevented with proper safety precautions. If you or a loved one has been a victim of such a criminal act, it's crucial to know that you have legal rights. We can guide you through the complexities of negligent security lawsuits, from filing claims to litigation. We are committed to holding property owners accountable for their failure to provide a safe environment, and we fight relentlessly to secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.

Let’s talk about your case today. Call (980) 246-2656 and request a no-cost consultation.

Types of Negligent Security

Negligent security is a legal concept that refers to the failure of property owners, both residential and commercial, to provide sufficient safety measures on their premises. This failure can result in visitors becoming victims of crimes that could have been prevented with the appropriate security measures in place. Property owners owe it to their visitors to create a safe, crime-free environment; if they do not and a dangerous crime occurs there, the visitor, patron, or passerby could have a case against the property owner.

Four common types of negligent security are:

1. Inadequate lighting: Poorly lit parking lots, hallways, stairwells, or other common areas can provide an ideal environment for criminal activity. Proper lighting is a basic security measure that helps deter such activity.
2. Insufficient security personnel: In certain areas, especially those known for higher crime rates, the presence of security guards is necessary. If a property owner fails to hire enough security personnel, they may be held liable for any crime that occurs due to this negligence.
3. Missing locks on exterior gates: Unsecured access points are an open invitation for intruders. Property owners should make sure all exterior gates and doors have functional locks to prevent unauthorized entry.
4. Poorly placed or missing security cameras: Security cameras serve two functions: deterring criminals and providing evidence in case a crime occurs. If these cameras are poorly placed, non-functional, or missing entirely, it can lead to a lack of crucial evidence and an increased risk of crime.

Properties That Should Have Good Security Measures

Some types of properties inherently require more robust security measures than others due to the nature of their operations, the value of the goods or services they provide, the volume and type of people they attract, or their location. These properties, due to their inherent risks, necessitate a higher level of vigilance and investment in security to ensure the safety of their patrons, residents, or clients. Neglecting these measures can drastically increase the likelihood of crimes occurring on the premises, which could place liability on the property owner.

A few examples of properties that need more security than others, on average, include:

• Bars: These establishments often serve alcohol late into the night, which can lead to rowdy behavior and potential altercations. As such, they typically require bouncers or security personnel, well-placed security cameras, and other safety measures to maintain order and protect patrons.
• Banks: Given the high value of assets stored within banks, they are prime targets for robbery, including robberies that target people using exterior ATMs. Banks need comprehensive security systems, including armed guards, bulletproof glass, secure vaults, alarm systems, and extensive surveillance equipment.
• 24/7 convenience stores: Convenience stores that operate round-the-clock can be vulnerable to crimes, especially during late-night hours when fewer witnesses are likely to be around. Therefore, they should invest in strong lighting, security cameras, alarm systems, and secure cash handling procedures.
• Apartment complexes: These residential properties house many people and often include common areas such as parking lots, laundry rooms, or recreational facilities. To protect residents and their property, security measures like controlled access systems, sufficient lighting, security cameras, and sometimes even security personnel are critical.

Injuries in Negligent Security Claims

Victims of crimes that occur due to negligent security can experience a range of injuries, both physical and emotional. The nature and severity of these injuries vary based on the specifics of the crime but can have lasting impacts on the victim's life.

Injuries that can arise in a negligent security claim may include:

• Physical injuries: These can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries such as fractures, head injuries, spinal cord damage, or even life-threatening stab wounds or gunshot wounds. In some cases, these injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disability, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
• Emotional trauma: Victims of crimes often suffer significant emotional distress, which can manifest in many ways. They may develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders. These can affect every aspect of their lives, from their ability to work to their relationships with others.
• Sexual assault injuries: In cases where the crime involves sexual assault, victims can suffer from both physical injuries and severe emotional trauma.
• Financial losses: Victims may suffer financial losses as well. These could be direct results of the crime, such as stolen property, or indirect consequences, such as lost wages from time off work due to physical injuries or emotional distress.

Compensation for Negligent Security Claimants

In a negligent security claim in Georgia, plaintiffs can seek various forms of compensation for the damages they have suffered. The types of compensation available usually cover both economic and non-economic damages. We know how to carefully calculate the damages owed to you, so you don’t feel like you’re leaving even a dollar unclaimed.

The main types of compensation that can be demanded in a claim are:

• Medical expenses: This includes immediate medical bills from the incident as well as future medical costs related to the injury, such as rehabilitation or ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you could be compensated for the income lost during that period. You may also be compensated for lost earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: This form of compensation is meant to address the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the crime. It's often difficult to quantify, but it's an important part of many claims.

In rare cases where the property owner's negligence was particularly egregious or willful, the court might award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future, rather than compensate the claimant for a loss.

Talk with Our Atlanta Negligent Security Attorneys

When you want justice after being injured or affected by a crime on someone else’s property, the criminal justice system won’t consider your financial losses and many forms of damages. You’ll have to explore what a civil lawsuit can do to hold the negligent property owner liable for failing to secure the premises. Let our Atlanta negligent security lawyers of Shane Smith Law be your legal guides and representatives during this difficult time. We know how to fight for your rights and stand up to stubborn defendants.

Dial (980) 246-2656 to speak with a member of our law firm today.