When a rape, assault, shooting, robbery, or other potentially preventable criminal act takes place within or just outside a place of business with negligent security, that business may be liable for the victim’s damages. While there are no federal laws in place regarding the level of security a place of business must provide, state laws and previous court decisions can help determine if a business’s security was inadequate at the time of the crime. Attorney Joe Horrox has a wealth of experience helping clients who suffered crimes because of negligent security in the Daytona Beach, FL area.
Common Types of Businesses Lacking in Security
There are a wide variety of different types of businesses that may be lacking in adequate security. These businesses are expected to provide a certain level of security to protect their patrons, employees, residents, students, and more. When a business breaches this duty and an assault or other crime takes place, we will fight to hold that business responsible. Some common businesses where crimes can take place due to negligent security or a lack of security guards include:
- Banks and ATMs
- Apartment complexes
- Malls, grocery stores, and other shopping centers
- Gas stations
- Hotels
- Bars and nightclubs
- Amusement parks
- Parking lots and garages
- Public or private schools or daycare centers
- College campuses
- Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers
- Public transportation, including buses, trains, subways, and airports
Types of Security You Should Expect
The level of security needed at the various locations listed above will vary depending on the type of business and business hours. In general, it is reasonable to expect adequate lighting in parking lots and garages. Surveillance cameras are also common at most places of business. In hotels, apartment complexes, and similar businesses, you should expect proper fencing and working locks on gates and doors. Businesses may also have alarm systems in place. Banks, hospitals, and college campuses typically have security guards, especially on days or nights where there is a higher risk of criminal activity.
What to Do if You Were a Victim Due to Negligent Security
If you were a victim of criminal activity such as rape, assault, robbery, or other actions, you should work with an attorney. If the attack and your injuries might have been preventable with more adequate security, you may have a case against the business where the attack took place. To successfully hold the business liable for your injuries due to negligent security or lack of security guards, we must prove that:
- You were a patron, customer, tenant, employee, or other person with authorization to access the premises at the time the crime took place
- The place of business had a duty to provide reasonable security measures and failed to provide adequate protection
- Proper security would have prevented the crime or would have resulted in less serious injuries to the victim
Schedule a Consultation Today
Attorney Joe Horrox has the experience you need to hold the business liable due to inadequate security. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation with Mr. Horrox.