Paul CaputoIf you or a loved one has been the victim of a crime as the result of negligent security on another’s property, you may be entitled to hold the at-fault property owner responsible for the injuries and losses you have suffered. At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our compassionate San Jose negligent security lawyers understand how difficult it can be for crime victims to get their lives back on track.
While law enforcement may be handling the criminal prosecution, you or your loved one may be struggling to overcome the physical, emotional, and financial hardships of life after the crime.
Let our experienced San Jose negligent security attorneys protect your rights and needs by calling (800) 900-0863 or sending us an intake form online to schedule a free and comprehensive consultation.
Who is liable for negligent security incidents?
Negligent security, also known as inadequate security, is a violation of premises liability law in which a property owner or operator may be held accountable for injuries or harm that occur on their grounds as a result of poor security measures. Under federal and state law, property owners are legally required to keep the premises reasonably safe, including taking precautionary measures against foreseeable criminal activity.
Residents and visitors must still exercise good judgment, but if the owner of a parking garage, restaurant, hotel, apartment complex, or other commercial property does not respond appropriately to potential risks of criminal acts, he or she may be liable for the resulting damages.
Signs of Negligent Security
Ultimately, a negligent security claim relies on whether the crime was foreseeable at the location and the property owner took reasonable steps to mitigate the risk.
For example, if a shopping center is in a high crime area, the owner might take the following actions to help deter possible crimes against visitors:
- Hire security guards
- Install surveillance cameras
- Place warning signs
However, the owner might be held accountable for damages if he or she did not have any form of security in place and a visitor was assaulted or harmed.
Forms of negligent security include:
- Poor lighting in parking lots, at building entrances, or in garages
- Defective, inoperative, or outdated security system equipment
- Lack of adequate security staff
- Poor maintenance of doors, locks, and security systems
- Failure to respond to complaints about crime or poor security
- Failure to respond to threats of violence in the workplace
In many cases, the success of a negligent security claim depends on the court’s interpretation, so it is important to seek strong legal representation from a proven attorney.
The Consequences of Negligent Security
Negligent security can allow serious crime to happen in even safe neighborhoods, resulting in the following:
- Abduction
- Assault
- Burglary
- Homicide
- Personal injuries
- Sexual crimes
- Vandalism
Working with security experts, our attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys can help you build a strong case supported by evidence on your behalf to help you and your family recover full and fair financial reimbursement from the at-fault property owner.
Call Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys at (800) 900-0863 Today
If you or a family member has been the victim of a crime that you believe could have been prevented if not for inadequate security, please do not wait to contact our team for a free and comprehensive consultation about your legal rights. We will give you the valuable insight and compassionate guidance you need after such a traumatic incident.