Property owners are bound by a legal obligation to ensure that the premises they control are safe for visitors and guests. When a property owner or another individual or entity responsible for the premises does not maintain adequate security measures and a visitor is injured as a result of this failure, they could be legally accountable for paying civil damages.
If you were recently injured in an incident that occurred on private or public property, and you believe that negligent security was behind what happened, you should consult with an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible. A Reno negligent security lawyer at Shook & Stone could launch a complete investigation into the incident, collect evidence, speak with law enforcement, and work to claim maximum compensation for your losses.
Overview of Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security cases are a common type of premises liability lawsuit you can file if you are injured on someone else’s property. The key difference between negligent security cases and other premises liability matters, like slip and falls, is that these situations often involve the perpetration of a crime that could have been avoidable if the property owner had observed their legal duty of care. In other words, if the property owner fails to correct negligent security measures or take reasonable care to discover them and someone is injured, they could be liable for damages. Common incidents resulting from negligent security include:
- Assault
- Battery
- Robbery
- Gun violence
- Murder
These situations often arise from instances of negligent security reported at establishments like:
- Banks
- Hotels
- Casinos
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Restaurants
- Nightclubs
- Shopping centers
However, these incidents can occur anywhere from apartment buildings to places of business. Potential examples of negligent security measures can include:
- Lack of lighting
- Inadequate alarm systems
- Poorly marked emergency exits
- Broken windows, doors, or locks
- Inadequately trained security personnel
- Out-of-order or lack of security cameras
When negligent security results in someone suffering physical and personal harm, the property owner, manager, and others responsible—such as the individual who inflicted the actual injury—could be held legally accountable. Whether the parties are a person or a company, when you are injured in a negligent security incident, you should speak with a qualified lawyer in Reno who could help you assess what legal recourse is open to you and who may be liable.
Filing a Negligent Security Claim
Negligent security incidents and the crimes perpetrated during them can inflict terrible and even deadly injuries on victims. These can range from broken and fractured bones to internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of a limb, and organ damage.
A proactive Reno negligent security attorney could help you seek compensation when you experience serious injuries because of an improper security incident. Our diligent lawyers could collect evidence and build a case for damages on your behalf. From speaking with witnesses, obtaining reports from the incident, and analyzing the chain of events that led to your injuries, to combing through the facts of the incident, our capable legal team could manage the investigation and claim process, so you can focus on your injuries and recovery.
Financial recovery could include the value of your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost quality of life, and more. However, in most cases, Nevada only provides two years for victims to file a claim after a negligent security incident. Thus, it is wise to act promptly and retain legal counsel soon after an incident, rather than run the risk of forfeiting the filing window.
Get Help from a Reno Negligent Security Attorney at Our Firm
Victims of crimes that trace back to lax or insufficient security measures could have legal recourse. If you file a negligent security claim, it is important to understand that this would be a civil case against the property owner or other responsible party and separate from any criminal proceedings the state might bring against the actual perpetrator.
A Reno negligent security lawyer at Shook & Stone could help you understand your viable legal options and uncover all sources of liability. Our committed team of attorneys could handle every facet of the case on your behalf, so you can focus on moving on from this terrible incident. To consult with a compassionate legal professional about your potential claim, contact our office today and schedule your one-on-one legal consultation.
