When Can I Sue for Inadequate Security?
Crime happens, and when it occurs in places with lax security, the property owners could be at fault, according to an article on Justia. Victims of robberies, rapes, assault or battery can sue a landlord or owner on the basis of what is called “negligent security.”
Suing a property owner instead of a criminal is commonplace. Even though the criminal is clearly responsible for the crime, the property owners play a role by creating a setting where the crime may occur. Plus, property owners are generally easier to locate and often have insurance coverage which can pay for damages.
Property owners have a responsibility to take reasonable security measures and protect visitors from “foreseeable” crimes. If there were similar crimes that occurred previously at that location, that could be evidence the crime was foreseeable.
“Negligent security assumes that the crime could have been prevented or at least made less likely by using appropriate security measures,” noted the article. To prove negligent security, a plaintiff must show that he or she was on the property legally, and that the property owner:
- Did not take care to discover past crimes at the location.
- Did not offer adequate warnings to visitors.
- Did not provide reasonable security.
Reasonable security measures can include security cameras, signs, appropriate lighting or the presence of security guards.
There are several responsibilities and factors at play in such a case. The best place to start is to discuss your claim with a Philadelphia negligent security attorney.