Cincinnati Negligent Security Lawyers

When Security Fails to Protect Visitors

If you have suffered an injury due to a crime that could have been prevented with better security measures, Shane Smith Law and our Cincinnati negligent security attorneys are here to help you seek justice and compensation. Our firm brings decades of collective experience in tackling complex premises liability cases, including negligent security claims. We believe that property owners must be held accountable for their lack of appropriate security measures that put visitors unknowingly at risk of criminal activities. With our experience and dedication, we strive to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Use an online form or call (980) 246-2656 to request a free consultation with our firm about your potential negligent security claim in Cincinnati.

What is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a legal concept that pertains to a property owner's duty to keep their premises safe. Specifically, it means that the property owner did not use enough or adequate security measures to secure the premises from potential criminal activities. Some property owners, whether due to negligence or cost-cutting, do not take adequate measures to secure their properties and prevent potential crimes. This can result in tenants, guests, or customers becoming victims of criminal activities such as assault, robbery, and more. When this happens, the injured party may have grounds to file a negligent security lawsuit against the property owner.

Common types of negligent security measures include:

• Not enough security staff members: A lack of security personnel can make a property an easy target for criminals. It's crucial for properties, especially those in high-crime areas, to have sufficient security staff to monitor and protect the premises.
• Not enough lighting around the premises: Poorly lit areas can provide hiding spots for criminals and increase the risk of crimes. Adequate lighting is essential in parking lots, walkways, stairwells, and other common areas.
• No secure external doors: Unsecured doors can allow easy access for intruders. All external doors that aren’t intended as a main point of entry should be properly secured with locks or access control systems to prevent unauthorized entry.
• No security cameras: Security cameras act as both a deterrent to potential criminals and a means of capturing evidence if a crime does occur. A lack of security cameras can leave blind spots on a property and potentially enable criminal activity.

Do Some Properties Need More Security?

Certain types of properties and businesses inherently attract more criminal activity due to their nature, location, or the volume and type of traffic they receive. As such, owners of these properties might need to take additional steps to secure their premises and protect their patrons and employees. The level of necessary security can vary greatly based on a variety of factors, including the type of business, the neighborhood, the hours of operation, and the history of crime in the area.

Examples of properties that typically require heightened security measures include:

• Residential apartment complexes: These properties house many individuals and families, making them potential targets for burglaries, vandalism, or other crimes. Adequate security measures are essential to ensure the safety of the residents.
• 24/7 convenience stores: Due to their operating hours that stretch into the latest hours of the night, convenience stores can be prone to robberies and other criminal activities.
• Bars and music venues: These establishments often draw large crowds and operate late into the night, factors that can increase the likelihood of altercations, theft, and other crimes.
• Banks with ATMs: Banks and ATM locations are obvious targets for theft due to the immediate access to cash. High-level security measures are crucial to prevent potential robberies and fraudulent activities.

Harm Suffered by Victims of Crime

Criminal activity can lead to a wide range of injuries, both physical and psychological. The extent and severity of these injuries can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the crime committed. Our Cincinnati negligent security attorneys can study the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your day-to-day life to calculate an accurate and maximized amount of compensation owed to you.

Physical injuries caused by crimes may include:

• Cuts and bruises
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Sexual violence injuries

In addition to physical injuries, victims of criminal activity often suffer significant psychological trauma. It is important to not overlook the extent of traumatization that being made a victim of a violent crime can cause. For some people, the lasting mental and emotional damage is worse than any physical injury that they suffered.

You may be able to demand compensation if you have suffered from the following as a result of the crime:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paranoia

We’re Ready to Help – Call at Any Time

A negligent security claim or lawsuit can be complex, requiring thorough investigation and understanding of both legal and security aspects. Don’t try to handle the difficult work alone, especially when you should be resting. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime due to negligent security, consult with one of our Cincinnati negligent security attorneys who can guide you through the process and fight for your rights.

Discuss your case and legal options today. Dial (980) 246-2656.