Negligent Security Attorney San Francisco
When people stay on their own properties, they have a certain degree of control over their own security. They can install alarm systems, they can lock their doors, and they can report suspicious behavior in the neighborhood. But what happens when you spend time on someone else’s property? In this situation, you are essentially forced to assume that the property owner is being responsible and organized when it comes to security. You put your own safety in the hands of whomever is responsible for the property. This means that if there is some kind of security breach or dangerous event, there is nothing you can do to prevent it from happening.
While negligent security can occur on virtually any property, the most significant dangers are associated with public establishments, such as bars, concert venues, and nightclubs. Providing adequate security becomes incredibly important at these locations, since the potential for violence and other security issues can be much higher. That being said, security negligence can also occur in normal, everyday places. For example, a government-run public transport system can fail to provide adequate security, resulting in assaults and robberies of innocent commuters.
But are property owners really liable for issues that arise from inadequate security? The answer depends on your unique situation, but there is no reason to sit back and simply accept your damages if you have been the victim of a scenario like this one. Explore your legal options by getting in touch with a personal injury attorney in San Francisco. After your initial consultation, our attorneys can recommend the most pertinent course of action. In many cases, this means filing a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible. You can then receive a settlement for your medical expenses, missed wages, psychological trauma, and much more.
What is Negligent Security?
All premise liability claims involve injuries caused directly by property owner negligence. However, negligent security is a specific type of irresponsible and reckless behavior committed by property owners. These injury claims usually revolve around damages that were caused by violent, criminal acts. In contrast, a “normal” premise liability claim usually does not involve criminal acts, but rather general mismanagement of the property. For example, a property owner might fail to repair broken stairs, leading to a member of the public suffering a broken leg.
In a case involving security negligence, the property owner’s reckless actions revolve around their failure to provide adequate security. They may establish inadequate security, or they may fail to establish any kind of security system whatsoever. These actions (or lack thereof) directly result in innocent members of the public suffering injuries due to the actions of criminals who are allowed to come onto the property and commit violent or harmful acts.
Examples of Negligent Security
Negligent security can occur in a number of different ways. The classic example is some kind of establishment, such as a retail business, a bar, or a nightclub. If a plaintiff is assaulted or harmed in some way due to a criminal act, they may feel as though the owners of the property did virtually nothing to prevent the attack from taking place.
Security negligence can occur anywhere on a property, including the parking lot. It can also occur within an elevator. As long as the attack took place somewhere on the premise, a property owner can be sued for not providing adequate security.
Examples of criminal acts that can result in negligent security claims include:
- Assault
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Robberies
- Kidnapping
Why File a Negligent Security Claim?
Some people might prefer to take legal action against the criminal who actually committed the crime. After all, they are the ones who should shoulder the most amount of guilt for these violent acts. However, it is not always that simple. Despite the best efforts of the police, criminals can often escape from the scene of the crime, never to be seen again. They may also wear face masks during the assault, making it difficult to identify them even with the aid of security footage.
Instead of taking legal action against the criminal, many injured victims of violent crimes choose to file claims against the property owner instead. Firstly, this is the only available course of action if the criminal has escaped. Secondly, a criminal may not have the necessary funds to provide you with a settlement for your damages. On the other hand, a property owner is usually covered by some kind of insurance policy, making it much easier to actually get your hands on the settlement you need to carry on with your life.
Finally, property owners have a legitimate responsibility to provide adequate security in many situations, and they should be held accountable in a court of law if they fail in their duty of care. By taking legal action against negligent property owners, you can encourage them to take their obligations more seriously in the future. In this way, you can also help protect innocent members of the public from future criminal acts.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the San Francisco area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney who can help you with this situation, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. We have considerable experience with injury cases involving negligent security, and we can help you hold irresponsible property owners accountable for failing to provide you with an appropriate level of protection.
While there are many unique challenges associated with filing a negligent security claim, you still have a strong chance of reaching a positive legal outcome. This is especially true if you work alongside an attorney who thoroughly understands the laws that surround these situations. The sooner you get in touch with a qualified attorney, the better your chances become. A settlement is often very important for those who are struggling financially due to missed wages and medical expenses. Book your consultation today, and we can help you take legal action swiftly and efficiently.
