If you’ve suffered injuries from a violent attack while on another property owner’s premises, you could be entitled to compensation for the injury-related costs you face. In these cases, it’s often true that the property should have had security in place to protect your safety, and the crime you fell victim to could have been prevented.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Modesto negligent security lawyers have years of experience holding negligent property owners liable, and we are here to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Liability in Negligent Security Claims
Under California law, property owners and managers have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of their premises. This obligation includes taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes and harm to visitors.
General Responsibility for Safety
Property owners must exercise ordinary care and skill in managing their properties to avoid causing harm to others. If a lack of proper security measures leads to an injury, such as in cases of assault or robbery, the property owner can be held liable. This includes ensuring adequate lighting, security personnel, surveillance cameras, and secure access points.
Liability for Actions of Third Parties
While California law generally holds that the person directly causing harm (such as a criminal) is responsible, property owners can also be liable if their negligence made it easier for the crime to occur. For example, if a landlord fails to fix broken locks or does not provide sufficient lighting in parking areas, they could be seen as contributing to the circumstances that allowed the crime to happen.
Specific Scenarios
Negligent security claims often arise from incidents such as:
- Assaults in poorly lit areas
- Robberies due to lack of surveillance cameras
- Unauthorized access due to broken or inadequate locks
- Injuries in areas with insufficient security personnel
If you believe inadequate security contributed to your injury, a Modesto personal injury lawyer specializing in negligent security can help you determine the property owner’s responsibility and then help pursue compensation for your injuries.
Locations Where Negligent Security Could Lead to Attacks
Though there are many possible locations where an act of violence could be partially attributed to negligent security, a few of the most common examples include:
- Apartment Complexes: Poor lighting, broken locks, and lack of security personnel can make residents vulnerable to assaults and robberies.
- Shopping Centers and Malls: Insufficient surveillance, lack of security guards, and poorly lit parking lots can lead to increased risks of theft, assaults, and abductions.
- Hotels and Motels: Inadequate security measures, such as unsecured entrances and poorly monitored common areas, can result in violent crimes against guests.
- Parking Garages and Lots: Poor lighting, lack of surveillance cameras, and absence of security patrols can lead to carjackings, muggings, and assaults.
- Office Buildings: Unrestricted access, lack of security personnel, and insufficient monitoring can expose employees and visitors to potential violent crimes.
- Bars and Nightclubs: Inadequate bouncer presence, poor crowd control, and lack of surveillance can contribute to fights, assaults, and other violent incidents.
- Public Transportation Hubs: Insufficient security measures in bus stations, train stations, and subway platforms can increase the risk of assaults and thefts.
- Schools and Campuses: Lack of security personnel, poor lighting, and insufficient emergency protocols can lead to violent crimes against students and staff.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Inadequate security measures can expose patients, visitors, and staff to potential violence.
- Residential Care Facilities: Poor supervision, inadequate security systems, and lack of proper staff training can result in abuse or violent incidents against residents.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because a business or property owner failed to provide adequate security, you have legal options available. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Compensation in Negligent Security Claims
When filing a claim against a negligent property owner, you can seek compensation (damages) to cover the costs of your injuries. Those damages can include all the economic and non-economic consequences of your injury, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs related to medical treatment, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care required due to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for the income lost during your recovery period. This also includes the loss of future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the assault. This can include ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from the incident.
- Property Damage: If any personal property was damaged or stolen during the incident, such as clothing, electronics, or vehicles, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Consortium: If your injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to damages for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the property owner’s negligence was particularly egregious, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the negligent property owner and deter other property owners from also choosing to ignore security concerns on their properties.
Seeking legal assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your claim and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. An attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary, providing the support you need during this challenging time.
Contact Our Modesto Negligent Security Lawyers Today
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve been fighting for injured people across Northern California since 1981. We know how important these cases are for victims of violent crimes, and we use our experience and knowledge of the law to help them get maximum compensation from the at-fault parties. Contact the Modesto negligent security lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
