Who is Responsible When Negligent Security Leads to an Attack?
Negligent security can have devastating consequences, leaving victims physically, emotionally, and financially damaged. When Atlanta property owners and businesses fail to meet their legal duty to provide a safe environment for guests and patrons, they may be held liable.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to inadequate safety measures, an experienced Atlanta premises liability lawyer can guide you through the process of holding the responsible parties accountable. Don’t face the aftermath of an attack alone, seek legal guidance to protect your rights and rebuild your life.
The Duty of Property Owners and Businesses
Under Georgia law, property owners and businesses are required to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of people on their premises. This duty applies to a variety of locations, including:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Parking garages
- Bars and nightclubs
- Office buildings
The level of protection required depends on the nature of the property and the likelihood of criminal activity in the area. For example, a business operating in a high-crime area may need to implement stricter security measures than one in a low-crime neighborhood.
Multiple Protections and Public Safety
A property owner or business needs to take reasonable measures to prevent an attack. This could include making sure adequate lighting is in place, as poorly lit parking lots, stairwells, and walkways can create opportunities for criminal activity.
Additionally, surveillance systems can help monitor the premises and provide valuable evidence if an incident occurs. Some businesses opt to employ qualified security guards, too. Safety staff then patrol a property, which means they can both deter criminal behavior and respond to threats. Of course, gates, locks, and keycard systems can restrict unauthorized entry as well, particularly in apartment complexes and office buildings.
Should a risk be in place, businesses need to clearly mark areas so the public is aware of the danger. And if a property owner is aware of prior criminal activity or dangerous conditions, they must take steps to mitigate these issues promptly. Failure to implement safety measures can lead to injurious consequences.
Grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens is possible should an attack occur. After all, along with physical pain a person may be struggling with the costs for emergency care, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments as a result of the attack.
Damages for losses could be in reach. Meet with an Atlanta premises liability lawyer to discuss your unique situation. Once an attorney has listened compassionately to your circumstances and looked over the documentation you have, they can inform you of next steps. Often insurance settlements cover injury expenses, and in some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish the owners and businesses when their safety lapses are particularly egregious.
Should you have a legal professional go over the details of your premises liability claim? Securing compensation for medical costs and reimbursement for property damaged during an attack could be possible. To connect with a full and fair settlement, talk to the experienced attorneys at Zagoria Law. Contact us to discuss your case.
