11 Places Where Negligent Security Tends to Be a Problem

Negligent security is a term used to describe a lack of reasonable security measures resulting in injury to one or more parties. Negligent security could look like broken or missing locks, poor lighting, inadequate emergency staff training, and more. Injuries associated with negligent security are often crime related, and may include gunshots, stabbings, assault, robbery, and more; in addition to a criminal trial (assuming the perpetrator is caught), a negligent security victim may also be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the negligent party (i.e. the person responsible for providing a reasonably safe environment) to seek compensation for their damages.

11 locations where negligent security may be a problem include:

• Bars
• Parking lots and parking garages
• Malls
• Apartments
• Gas stations
• Movie theatres
• Hotels
• Trains/bus stations
• Schools
• ATMs
• Office buildings

These are by no means the only locations subject to negligent security risks, but they are some of the most common places where injuries may occur as a result. Parking lots and parking garages in particular are one of the most common areas where negligent security can allow for theft and assault to occur.

Damages in a negligent security claim or lawsuit can be wide-ranging.

Depending on the situation, the damages in a negligent security claim could range from tangible expenses to intangible losses including emotional/psychological damage. The party responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe premises (i.e. property owner/manager, business owner, etc.) may be considered liable in the event that their lack of basic safety measures leads to a dangerous situation and harm for another party. Damages in a negligent security claim may include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Impairment of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of ongoing therapy

The above are just a few of the most common damages that arise in negligent security cases, but they may be broader depending on the severity of the situation. Property owners are legally obligated to take reasonable safety precautions based on foreseeable risk in the area; for example, if the area where the property is located has a high rate of violent crime, the property owner may be reasonably expected to install additional safety measures that a property owner in another part of town might not.

There are ways to safeguard against negligent security, including:

• Installing security cameras
• Provide and maintain adequate lighting
• Hire properly trained and vetted security guards
• Provide adequate emergency training for all staff members
• Make sure emergency exits and equipment are easily accessible at all times
• Provide adequate warnings to visitors about foreseeable risk
• Respond immediately to emergency calls
• Respond immediately to maintenance requests
• Fix broken locks, gates, light bulbs immediately

If you or a loved one were injured due to negligent security on public or private premises, reach out to a negligent security attorney in your area to discuss your options for recovery.