When an individual patronizes a bar, restaurant, nightclub, retail store, or other commercial business, he or she expects that the business will take reasonable steps to prevent customers from being harmed. However, not every business fulfills its duty to keep customers safe.
Negligent security lawsuits are brought against businesses and property owners when inadequate security causes a guest to be injured or killed. If you or a loved one were the victim of assault, battery, rape, or robbery because of a business’s substandard security measures, you may be able to file a premises liability claim on the basis of negligent security. You may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible for physical and mental injuries and recover financial compensation for your damages.
What Counts as Negligent Security?
It can be hard to know for sure when an attack is caused by negligent security because the security measures a property or business owner should take depend on many factors. A business located in a high crime area with a history of violent attacks will have different security needs than a business in a low crime area. The foreseeability of an assault, battery, or other violent act is often a major determining factor in a negligent security lawsuit. Did the business owner have reason to believe that customers may be in danger? Did the property owner fail to fix broken locks, hire enough security guards, or install lights in the parking lot?
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