Like any personal injury claim or lawsuit, negligent security cases require “liability”. This means you have to demonstrate that the defendant should have implemented certain security measures when they did not. Additionally, you must show that the lack of security could have prevented your injuries. For example, poor lighting in a parking lot may increase the chances of an assault. On the other hand, adequate lighting can prevent this kind of criminal activity and subsequent injuries.
If you’re seeking compensation for inadequate security, you need an attorney with the right experience to go up against big businesses and commercial property owners. A Washington, D.C. premises liability lawyer from Simeone & Miller, LLP can help you seek fair compensation for your damages, including hospitalization and missed wages. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of clients get their lives back after serious accidents – let us use this experience to benefit your personal injury case.
How Much Security is “Inadequate?”
Inadequate (or “negligent”) security happens when a property – such as a parking garage, store, apartment complex, etc. – doesn’t have the right security in place to prevent criminal activity. If you or someone you love suffered an assault or injury that adequate security could have prevented, you may have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
Negligent security can happen almost anywhere, but some of the most common places are:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Parking garages
- Parking lots
The term “adequate” security is flexible. In other words, what may be adequate or inadequate for one location may not be for another. High-crime areas may require greater security measures to ensure visitor safety. Many convenience stores post a sign by the cash register indicating that the register contains less than $50 or that the store doesn’t accept bills over $20. This is an example of a security measure designed to prevent robberies.
Common Places with Inadequate Security Issues
Negligent security issues can arise in various locations where safety measures are inadequate, exposing visitors to potential harm. Common places include:
- Apartment Complexes: Insufficient lighting, broken locks, or lack of security patrols.
- Parking Lots and Garages: Poor lighting, absence of surveillance cameras, or no security personnel.
- Shopping Centers and Malls: Unmonitored entrances, inadequate emergency protocols, or lack of visible security presence.
- Hotels and Motels: Broken locks, poorly lit hallways, or unsecured access points.
- Nightclubs and Bars: Overcrowding, insufficient security staff, or lack of crowd control measures.
What Do You Need to Prove?
Like any personal injury claim or lawsuit, negligent security cases require “liability.” This means you must demonstrate that the defendant should have implemented certain security measures when they did not. Additionally, you must show that these inadequate security measures could have prevented your injuries. For example, poor lighting in a parking lot may increase the chances of an assault. On the other hand, adequate lighting can prevent this kind of criminal activity and subsequent injuries.
How We Can Help
If you’re seeking compensation for inadequate security, you need an attorney with the right experience to go up against big businesses and commercial property owners. A Washington, D.C. premises liability lawyer from Simeone & Miller, LLP can help you seek fair compensation for your damages, including hospitalization and missed wages. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of clients recover after serious accidents – let us use this experience to benefit your personal injury case.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you are a victim of inadequate security, take immediate action to protect your rights. First, report the incident to the property owner or manager and document the details of what happened. However, you may still have a case if you do not report the incident to anyone. You should also seek medical attention for any injuries and keep records of all treatments and expenses. Collect evidence such as photos of the scene, witnesses’ contact information, and any available surveillance footage. Finally, consult with a personal injury attorney to evaluate your case and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Our Washington, D.C., Negligent Security Lawyer for a FREE Consultation
At Simeone & Miller, LLP, we have thousands of cases of legal experience behind us. This means our strategies are courtroom tested, based on the personal needs of each client, and focused on getting full compensation for your damages. If you need a legal team you can depend on, you are in the right place. Contact our office today for a free attorney consultation.
Simeone & Miller, LLP is based in Washington, D.C., and also provides legal services across Maryland and Virginia. In Maryland, our services extend to Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. In Virginia, we serve clients in Arlington County, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.