Terrifying Incident Resulting from Negligent Security

In January of 2019, the nation was stunned when one woman was sexually assaulted at a Midtown nightclub while live streaming to social media. As the woman screamed out for help, several concerned online users dialed 911. Her perpetrator ultimately evaded authorities that night. Now, she’s suing the nightclub for having inadequate security.

What happens when you’re the victim of a crime at a business or on similar commercial property? Is the establishment partially responsible when they’ve failed to set up adequate security on their premises? Keep reading to find out.

What is Negligent Security?

When a business or an individual invites you to their property, there is an assumption that they’ve taken reasonable care to secure their premises. If you get injured by a criminal act on someone else’s property, then you may have legal grounds to pursue a negligent security claim.

In essence, negligent security means that the property owner failed to provide adequate security on their premises. Negligent security may mean:

• The area was too dark
• The area lacked adequate security guards
• A failure to maintain surveillance cameras

These problems must have contributed to the likelihood of a crime being committed. In most situations, negligent security claims are pursued against security companies or commercial properties.

The victim of the criminal act must prove that the property owner owed a duty of care to them, which also means they were legally allowed to be on the property. They must also prove that a reasonable person would have foreseen the criminal acts based on the lack of security features in the area. Previous criminal acts can also be used as a basis to prove that future crimes were foreseeable.

Injuries Arising from Negligent Security

Injuries from criminal acts caused by negligent security can be severe. In addition to physical injuries, the victim may suffer additional damages like lost time off of work and severe emotional distress.

Here’s the breakdown of the types of crimes resulting from negligent security mentioned in lawsuits:

• Assault and battery (42%)
• Sexual assault and rape (26%)
• Wrongful death (15%)
• Robbery (9%)
• False imprisonment (4%)
• Carjacking or arson (4%)

The vast majority of negligent security cases that go to court revolve around serious crimes like rape and assault. In these situations, it’s likely the victim suffered significant injuries and harm. Due to the complex nature of negligent security claims, it’s important to seek out legal representation.

Contact a Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Negligent Security Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to negligent security in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Law Office of Mark A. Smith represent clients injured because of negligent security in Homestead, Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 412-567-1313 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.