Premises Liability and Negligent Security
Property owners have a legal obligation to provide reasonable security measures in high crime areas to those who are given consent to enter their property. When someone becomes the victim of a crime as a result of a property owner's negligence, the property owner may be held responsible for damages under premises liability laws. Premises liability laws allow victims to seek compensation for pain, suffering and other damages. If you have been the victim of a crime due to negligent security, you may have a premises liability lawsuit. To learn more about your legal rights regarding premises liability and negligent security, contact our Scranton, PA attorneys at Foley Law Firm.
Security Measures Available to Property Owners
Property owners should take steps to keep visitors or tenants safe. Some common security measures property owners may take include:
- Keeping parking lots and common areas well lit
- Installing video cameras
- Installing fences
- Restricting building access
- Installing and maintaining appropriate door locks
- Employing a security company to patrol the property
- Processing criminal background checks on employees or tenants
Where Can Negligent Security Occur?
Negligent security can occur in a variety of places, including private residences and commercial properties. Some areas where negligent security may occur includes:
- College campuses and dorms
- Bars and private clubs
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Amusement parks
- Apartments or condominiums
- The workplace
Premises Liability and Negligent Security
Premises liability laws place responsibility on property owners, both commercial and private, to provide safe conditions to those who are given consent to enter their property. If the property owner fails to take necessary precautions or care to provide a safe environment from known or foreseeable dangers, they may be held liable for injuries or damages that occur to someone while on their property.
When it comes to security, property owners who fail to provide proper security measures in areas known to have high crime rates, or landlords who fail to provide adequate locks, may be held responsible if someone becomes a victim of a violent act. Other circumstances in which a property owner may be held liable for damages include an employee being attacked on work property due to inadequate security or a student being victimized on school property due to poor security.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime due to a property owner’s negligence, there may be cause for a premises liability lawsuit. In order to determine liability and explore your legal rights, it's important to meet with a premises liability attorney.
Contact Foley Law Firm to Explore Your Legal Options
If you have been the victim of a crime as a result of negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about your legal rights and explore your options, we encourage you to contact our team of premises liability attorneys today.