Where Do Negligent Security Injuries Happen?
Safety is a top priority for people throughout Southern California, and they rely on businesses and municipalities to protect them. When security measures fail and people are injured as a result, they may have the opportunity to seek compensation from the liable party. That’s where we come in. At DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, our team of Southern California negligent security lawyers knows how important it is to hold people accountable when they cause you harm. Let us advocate for you—call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) now.
Many people wonder how a business or property owner can be held liable for the actions of someone else. This is because property owners have an obligation to others when they are open to the public. They are expected to take reasonable care to protect visitors and tenants from criminal behavior. If their failure laid the groundwork for criminal behavior to occur, they may owe the victim compensation.
Public Areas
In general, municipalities are responsible for maintaining public areas like parks, streets, recreational areas, and public transportation. Part of that responsibility is keeping the property clean and safe for visitors. If they let a property fall into disrepair, they may be liable for whatever occurs as a result.
For example, consider a public park. It is common for people in urban areas to use parks for illicit or illegal behavior after dark. Park owners who fail to provide proper lighting may be held liable if someone using the park in an appropriate manner becomes injured. Another example: on public transportation, women and people traveling alone are often targeted by people or groups with bad intentions. If the city fails to maintain emergency phones or other safety measures that may have led riders to choose that particular transportation option, they may be responsible for subsequent injuries.
Commercial Properties
Malls, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, and entertainment centers have a significant duty to their visitors and consumers. These busy environments can put consumers at risk, and a reasonable business owner would anticipate those risks and take appropriate steps to minimize them. In some businesses, that means having security staff on hand at all times. In others, it means having surveillance cameras, controlled access via wristbands or IDs, or emergency alerts that guests can push when they need help. When guests are injured because of failed security measures, they may be able to hold the property owner liable. As an example, think about hotels: they are expected to only grant authorized guests access to a room. If they give out keys to someone just because they claim to know the person in the room or because they push hard enough, they may be accountable for subsequent injuries. In such cases, consulting a negligent security lawyer becomes imperative to navigate the legal complexities and seek appropriate compensation for the injuries incurred due to the property owner’s negligence.
Residential Areas
Even residential areas can have negligent security failures. These failures are generally only seen in apartment complexes, condominiums, and gated communities. In these settings, people expect a certain degree of safety from those who are not supposed to be in the area. For example, apartment tenants have the right to expect secure outside doors that lock and that are not propped open at night. Those living in gated communities can expect the security staff entrusted with letting or not letting people in to verify their identity before letting them pass through. When property owners do not fulfill their duties to renters or homeowners, those same people may be at risk of assault, burglary, or home invasions.
Fighting for Compensation After an Injury
After a negligent security incident, you may have a claim against both the assailant and the property owner whose negligent practices let the assault happen. It’s important to work with a negligent security attorney as quickly as possible after your injuries—there may be surveillance footage and other types of evidence, but if you don’t gain access quickly, it could be lost forever.
You may be entitled to compensation for all of your injury-related losses. In these cases, that often means medical expenses, mental health treatment, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and mental trauma.
Contact DeWitt Algorri & Algorri and Fight for What You Deserve
The team of Southern California negligent security attorneys at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri understands how a negligent security incident can leave you injured, traumatized, and struggling to return to life as normal. We’ll help you demand every bit of compensation you deserve from the liable party. You choose where you live, shop, and dine because of supposed security measures. When property owners fail to deliver on their promises, we are ready to advocate for you. Set up your consultation now by contacting us online or calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.