When you are injured on another’s property as the result of the property owner’s reckless or negligent behavior, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffer in a premises liability claim. This generally applies in situations involving accidental injuries, but what if your case involves injuries suffered as a result of a crime? Under the legal theory of negligent security, property owners can also be held liable for failing to take efforts that would have prevented the crime from occurring.
Alleging Negligent Security In Premises Liability Cases
Under Section 51-3-1 of the Georgia Code, property owners and managers have a duty to maintain the safety of their property for guests and residents. They can be held legally liable for damages you suffer for failing to exercise the proper care in keeping the premises and the approaches to the property safe and secure or for failing to provide warning when unsafe conditions exist.
Negligent security, which falls under the legal realm of premises liability, generally applies in cases where injuries occur due to acts of violence, such as an assault, mugging, robbery, or kidnapping. In these situations, property owners can be held liable for failing to take the actions necessary to prevent the crime from occurring. These actions include:
- Maintaining door locks, gates, and fencing;
- Installing security cameras or alarm systems;
- Maintaining proper lighting on walkways and stairways;
- Providing security personnel throughout the premises;
- Notifying law enforcement when criminal activities occur;
- Alerting visitors and tenants of potential dangers in high crime areas.
Cases In Which Negligent Security May Apply
Negligent security can apply to any commercial or residential property, such as a shopping center, movie theatre, nightclub, hotel, or apartment complex. Property owners, managers, or administrative personnel may be held liable for the injuries you suffer and the costs you incur as a result of a violent or otherwise intentional act committed by another party on the premises.
Of course, injuries suffered in a negligent security claim are often severe. As such, damages you may be entitled to as the result of negligent security in a premises liability claim include:
- Medical expenses, including medical or therapeutic treatments and medications;
- Lost wages, and future losses in income or benefits;
- Compensation for pain, suffering, and mental anguish due to the crime or your injuries.
Let Us Help You Today
If you or someone you care about is injured on another’s property, either due to an accident or as the result of a crime, our Atlanta negligent security attorneys are here to help. Reach out and contact Apolinsky & Associates, LLC today to request a consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you get compensation for the damages you suffered.
The foregoing answers are not legal advice and are merely a general overview. You are advised to consult a lawyer to address your specific situation regarding your situation. Feel free to send comments or questions to: steve@aa-legal.com of Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, or call (404) 377-9191.
