Have you been the victim of an assault, robbery, or other crime of violence at a business establishment? Under state premises liability law, businesses have a legal duty to provide adequate security measures to protect customers from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties.
If a business failed to implement reasonable security and it led to your injury in a crime on their property, you may have grounds for a negligent security claim. Recovering compensation for your losses, however, requires proving the business breached their security duty.
A Jacksonville negligent security lawyer can build a strong case demonstrating inadequate security measures and help you pursue maximum damages. The premises liability lawyers of Fasig | Brooks in Jacksonville have helped many injury victims recover compensation in such situations, and we may be able to help you.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security cases are civil claims that victimized individuals can bring against a property owner who did not provide an adequate level of security. This is often the case when a crime occurs in a public space or on a business’s property, and the victim holds the owner responsible for their role in allowing it to happen.
Claims may also be brought against organizations or businesses whose employees might have taken measures to prevent the incident from occurring. Victims seek compensation for financial losses they suffered in the incident.
However, proving negligence on behalf of a business or organization can be difficult depending on the jurisdiction and facts of each situation. It is important for victims considering this step to seek help from a negligent security attorney in Jacksonville and find out more about bringing a claim before doing so.
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Common Examples of Negligent Security Claims in Jacksonville
Here are some of the most common reasons victims bring negligent security claims in Florida:
Assault in a Parking Garage or Parking Lot
Poor or non-existent lighting in these areas, along with a lack of regular security patrols and broken access gates or other entry/exit points, can contribute to an environment where assaults are more likely to occur due to inadequate precautions taken by the property to protect visitors.
Robbery at a Convenience Store or Gas Station
Stores that fail to install proper security cameras in strategic locations, station security guards on busy shifts, utilize drop safes for cash transactions behind the register, or otherwise make visibility into and out of the store difficult contribute to conditions where robbers may view the location as an easier target.
Shooting/Stabbing at a Bar or Nightclub
Incidents of violence inside these establishments are sometimes traced to insufficient security staff like bouncers monitoring entry points and patrons inside, failing to conduct pat-downs of visitors upon entry or utilize metal detectors, and not keeping crowds properly supervised which allows disputes or weapons to go unnoticed.
Sexual Assault or Rape at a Hotel
Faulty room locks, unsecured fire exits that don’t alert staff when used, and rooms not equipped with interior peepholes or security features make guests more vulnerable to intruders and assaults, particularly if the property lacks cameras or other monitoring of internal hotel areas.
Abduction from a Shopping Mall
When security teams aren’t properly deployed to monitor mall exits and the large crowds inside, or play areas and mall walkways are inadequately supervised, this can present opportunities for abductions to occur without detection.
Mugging at an ATM
Locating ATMs in poorly lit areas hidden by landscaping, and not installing security cameras or other theft deterrent mechanisms, contributes to an environment where muggings may not be witnessed or traced to the property’s security failures.
Carjacking in a Parking Structure
Without proper access control methods like keycard entry, security patrols of all levels, and CCTV coverage, parking structures can enable thefts where victims are vulnerable when returning to unattended vehicles.
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Filing a Negligent Security Claim
Victims of incidents related to negligent security may be eligible to receive compensation for injuries suffered through a third-party liability personal injury lawsuit. Here is what to expect:
- Property owners and security companies have a duty of care to keep visitors safe from foreseeable harm. A failure to do so that enables an injury-causing crime can trigger liability.
- Victims must prove the defendant’s security negligence was the direct and proximate cause of the injuries sustained in the incident.
- Evidence like expert testimony on industry standards is crucial, so it can be beneficial to work with a Jacksonville negligent security attorney.
- When liability is established, compensation awarded by courts aims to fully reimburse victims for all economic and non-economic damages caused.
- Economic damages include past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc. Non-economic factors comprise pain/suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Settlement amounts will depend on the severity of injuries like disfigurement or disability, relationships to others harmed, and other circumstances of the unique case.
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How Can a Lawyer Help?
Individuals filing this type of claim will need to prove that reasonable care was not taken in protecting individuals from potential danger or injury. Our attorneys understand the nuances of these cases and can provide support throughout the process.
We also diligently assess the cause of action according to local jurisdictions and laws taking into account all relevant principles when determining liability for crimes committed due to inadequate security precautions taken by a landlord or business owner.
Our security negligence attorneys in Jacksonville can assess the claim’s merits, gather required evidence, and argue the case to obtain maximum compensation to aid your recovery and address the long-term impacts of the security-related incident.
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Filing a negligent security claim can help crime victims receive compensation for injuries caused by a business or property owner’s failure to provide adequate safety measures. Victims may seek reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages from time spent unable to work, and emotional distress caused by their experience.
However, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine if you have a viable case. The premises liability lawyers of Fasig | Brooks have years of experience handling such cases and can evaluate the specifics of your incident.
Contact us for a confidential, free consultation to help you better understand the process and decide if pursuing legal action is the right option for your situation.
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