In some cases, nothing can be done to prevent an attack, but in most cases, preventative measures could have been taken by the owner and property management company to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors of buildings. When someone is the victim of a criminal attack at a hotel, apartment complex or even at a residence, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. One of the first questions that an experienced lawyer would investigate is what security measures were in place and what security measures could have been in place to deter the criminal act.
Apartment Buildings
There are a myriad of measures that can be taken to deter crime at apartment complexes.
- Lighting: is it adequate? Should more lights or brighter lights be installed? Are burnt out light bulbs changed quickly?
- The entry-way: is there a gated entrance? Is there video surveillance or a guard at the entrance? Does the gate actually work or, if it is broken, is it fixed quickly? If you live in a high rise, find out if there’s a qualified door man and/or a parking garage attendant
- Security in your own unit: do the external doors, including sliding glass doors, lock with deadbolts or a bar? Are there window locks and fire escapes?
Hotels
When on vacation, or traveling for work, you want to know that you can feel safe in a hotel, motel, or resort. The following are just some of the steps that can be taken to deter crime.
- Adequate overhead lighting: especially in parking lots, hallways, and other common areas
- Security guards: do they have them? Are staffed 24 hours? Where they are stationed? Do they patrol the grounds frequently?
- After-hours access: is a room key or other type of entry card required to enter the lobby and other main areas of the hotel?
- Security cameras: do they exist? Are they in common areas where guests frequent, like parking lots, hallways, or lobbies?
- Your room: is there a peephole on the door, working locks on doors and windows, including to adjoining rooms, and working lighting?
Office Buildings
Every office building is different, and some offices might not have all the safety measures you might be used to in other work environments. For example, a small or medium-sized business, government office, or non-profit organization, might not have security staff.
Depending on the size of the company, an office building should have any combination of the following: key card access, ID badges, locking doors, slippery floors signage and overall good housekeeping, security cameras, an alarm system, security guards, and proper lighting.
At Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, our Atlanta premises liability lawyers have over 30 years of experience handling negligent security cases. Contact Steve Apolinsky at 404-377-9191 or by email at steve@aa-legal.com for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Legal disclaimer: This article contains information intended to educate individuals about the legal intricacies surrounding premises liability and negligent security cases. The situations referenced in this article are purely to make examples of potential premises liability and negligent security cases, and by no means indicate definitive lawsuits that will result in compensation.
