Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer

In Kentucky, property owners have a duty of care to their guests, invitees, and others with a legal right to be on the premises. Part of this duty is to make sure the property is reasonably safe and secure. A breach of this duty may result in a preventable crime, accompanied by personal injuries and losses.

If you become a victim of crime on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a claim against the owner for your medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact a Louisville negligent security lawyer at our firm today to learn more about your case.

• What is Negligent Security?
• Where Do Negligent Security Incidents Happen?
• Negligent Security in the Workplace
• The Consequences of Negligent Security
• Compensation in a Negligent Security Case in Kentucky

What is Negligent Security?

The term negligent security refers to inadequate or improper security in certain situations. A property owner’s duty of care in terms of security depends on a number of factors, including the crime rate in the neighborhood and the history of crime in the location. Depending on the circumstances, they may need to take the following steps to properly secure the location.

• Replace old windows, doors, and locks
• Install security cameras
• Install an alarm system
• Set up fences, gates, and barriers
• Hire security guards
• Maintain parking lot lighting
• Use floodlights in shadowy areas
• Install motion-activated security sensors
• Ensure that people are escorted to and from the parking lot
• Fire overzealous security guards or bouncers

Property owners may be required to do one or more of these things to adequately protect guests from crimes such as harassment, assault, robbery, and rape. Those injured by negligent security in Louisville, KY may be able to file a premises liability claim and seek compensation for their losses.

Where Do Negligent Security Incidents Happen?

While inadequate security can be an issue on practically any property, it is more of a risk in some locations than others, including:

• Parking lots or garages: Parking lots and garages can be dangerous, especially at night. Owners and/or managers should provide sufficient lighting, cameras, and trained security staff to ensure patron safety.
• Apartment buildings: Crime is a major concern in apartment communities. Robbers, thieves, and rapists target apartment residents as they enter and leave their homes. Apartment building owners must implement adequate security measures or risk being held liable for crimes that occur on the property.
• Nightclubs and bars: As these facilities operate at night and serve alcohol, they are particularly risky if precautions are not taken. In addition to providing reasonable protection against criminal activity, bar and club owners must guard against the actions of intoxicated patrons. This is achieved through bartender cut-off policies, security guards, and emergency measures.
• Shopping malls: In the evenings and over the holidays, these facilities can be especially dangerous. Thieves and muggers target shopping malls and their parking lots with the intention of stealing from shoppers. Providing a strong security presence and well-lit parking lots can prevent criminal activities and dangerous behaviors.
• Hotels: When patrons spend their money in a hotel, they expect to be protected from harm. Without proper security measures, hotel hallways, elevators, and parking lots can be extremely dangerous, with patrons at risk of being robbed or sexually assaulted. If you are attacked on hotel property, a Louisville sexual assault victim attorney can help you demand compensation from the owner.
• Health clubs and gyms: Assaults and thefts are common at health clubs. Thieves may steal belongings left in lockers by patrons. The lack of proper security in locker rooms can also result in physical and/or sexual assaults.
• Sports venues: When you add alcohol to the intense emotions of a sporting event, the results can be risky for patrons. Sports venue operators, like nightclub owners, have a responsibility to take security measures to protect fans in and around the venue.

Other locations where patrons may be compromised by inadequate security include:

• ATM kiosks
• Stairwells and elevators
• Cafés and restaurants
• Schools, colleges, and universities
• Office buildings
• Healthcare facilities and nursing homes
• Government-owned properties

The precise definition of reasonable security largely depends on the venue. For example, a stadium hosting a music event may require checkpoints, metal detectors, and a large team of security personnel but an office building parking garage may only need to be well-lit and have surveillance cameras. If a facility does not take measures deemed reasonable for the location/event, you may be able to sue the owner if you are injured.

Negligent Security in the Workplace

Business owners have a duty to ensure that their employees work in a safe environment while on the premises. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly two million workers report being victims of violence at work each year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there are 400 workplace homicides each year.

In situations where an employee poses a threat to other workers, the employer must take measures to ensure their safety. In the event the employer fails to take such action, their negligence can result in them being liable for civil damages that may result.

The Consequences of Negligent Security

Businesses should prioritize the safety of everyone on their premises. Despite adequate security, unfortunate circumstances can occur, but the likelihood of an attack and the extent of its harm may be reduced with active security in place.

In addition to providing guests with peace of mind, clear and discernible safety measures like surveillance cameras may also serve to deter criminal behavior, according to a study conducted at the Urban Institute and Justice Policy Center. Examples of such behavior may include:

• Physical attacks and harassment
• Robbery
• Mugging
• Abduction
• Sexual assault
• Manslaughter
• Homicide

Negligent security measures can result in a variety of physical, emotional, and mental injuries, some of which can be long-term. At The Shafer Law Office, our attorneys can help you get justice if it happens to you.

Compensation in a Negligent Security Case in Kentucky

When you’ve been injured because a Louisville property owner was negligent, a personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible individual or business accountable and recover financial awards for your damages. You may qualify for compensation for:

• Bills for medical care
• Loss of wages and/or future income
• Counseling services
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases

While the amount you receive will depend on the specifics of your case, an experienced personal injury lawyer will use their resources to come up with a fair value and seek it through negotiation and, if necessary, litigation.

I’ve Been a Victim of Negligent Security Practices in KY. What Should I Do?

If you’ve been injured in an incident enabled by negligent security, notify the police immediately and seek medical treatment for your injuries. Once police and medical records have documented the attack and its outcome, call a skilled Louisville negligent security lawyer right away.

As soon as you retain a lawyer, they gather information about your case by taking steps like the following:

• Inspecting the scene of the incident
• Reviewing any existing security measures
• Speaking to any witnesses
• Obtaining police reports and crime records

Your negligent security attorney will build your case against the property owner while you recover from your injuries. If the owner is guilty of negligent security, you might be eligible for full compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses.

Do I Need a Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer?

If you have been injured, you’re likely going to encounter resistance from those responsible for the incident. The property owner may try to blame you in part or even in full to evade liability. Their insurance provider will probably try to minimize your losses so they end up paying as little as possible.

In contrast, a Louisville negligent security lawyer will be in your corner, advocating for you and ready to take your case to trial if all the insurer comes up with is lowball offers. When you hire The Schafer Law Office after being injured or losing a loved one in a negligent security incident, we will counter any attempt to minimize your compensation and demand every dollar you are entitled to.

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Why Should I Hire The Schafer Law Office for My Kentucky Negligent Security Injury Case?

• We have decades of combined experience in personal injury cases. Attorney Mike Schafer has been named a Super Lawyer for 2021-22, which is a highly prestigious distinction.
• We fight for the best results and have won millions of dollars for clients in collective settlements and judgment awards.
• We work on a contingency fee basis. If we don’t get you a settlement or award, you owe us nothing.

Get a Free Consultation From a Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer

Negligent security measures can have serious consequences, and we want to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you were seriously injured due to negligent security measures, reach out to us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. A Louisville negligent security attorney at The Schafer Law Office can apply their experience and knowledge of these situations to help you pursue the maximum possible compensation. For more information, please contact us online today to set up a free consultation with a Kentucky personal injury attorney.