Negligent Security – Burglary and Robbery

Negligent security is a critical concern that surfaces when individuals or entities fail to provide adequate security measures to protect people on their premises. It’s an issue that can result in various criminal activities, particularly burglaries and robberies, leading to significant harm to individuals and their property. Our negligent security attorneys at Breit Biniazan can provide expertise and advice.

What is Negligent Security?

Negligent security refers to the failure of a property owner or manager to implement reasonable security measures, leading to harm or injury caused by criminal activities like burglary, robbery, assault, or other violent crimes on their premises. These incidents can occur in various settings, including commercial establishments, residential buildings, parking lots, and public spaces.

Understanding Robbery and Burglary

Robbery involves the act of taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force. It typically occurs in the presence of the victim. On the other hand, burglary is the unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, often theft, and doesn’t necessarily involve confrontation with the victim.

Elements of Negligent Security Claims

For a negligent security claim to hold, certain elements need to be established. These include demonstrating that a duty of care existed, a breach of that duty occurred due to inadequate security measures, the breach directly caused the harm suffered, and measurable damages resulted from the incident.

Duty of Care to Provide Adequate Security

Property owners and managers owe a duty of care to individuals legally present on their premises. This duty includes taking reasonable steps to ensure the safety and security of visitors, tenants, or customers. Failing to meet this obligation can lead to liability in cases of criminal activities resulting from inadequate security.

Recognizing Signs of Inadequate Security Measures

Identifying signs of inadequate security is crucial. This can include insufficient lighting, malfunctioning security cameras, broken locks, lack of security personnel in high-risk areas, or a history of similar criminal incidents on the premises.

Common Causes of Negligent Security Incidents

Negligent security incidents often stem from various factors such as understaffing, poor maintenance of security equipment, inadequate training of security personnel, negligent background checks, or ignoring previous security breach warnings.

Establishing Causation in Negligent Security Cases

Proving causation in negligent security cases is essential. It involves demonstrating that the inadequate security measures directly led to the criminal incident and subsequent harm suffered by the victim.

Damages and Compensation for Victims

Victims of negligent security incidents may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in severe cases, emotional trauma.

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Negligent Security

If you’re a victim of negligent security, immediate steps should be taken to ensure your safety and well-being. Contact law enforcement, seek medical attention, document the incident, preserve evidence, and consult a legal professional experienced in negligent security claims.

Hiring an Attorney for Negligent Security Claims

Engaging a skilled attorney specializing in negligent security claims is vital. An attorney with expertise in this area can assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court, ensuring you receive fair compensation for the harm and losses suffered due to inadequate security measures. Our attorneys at Breit Biniazan are able to help when it comes to your burglary/robbery case.