Negligent Security

Negligent Security Lawyers in Georgia & Washington D.C.

When visiting a property—whether it’s a shopping mall, apartment complex, parking garage, or office building—you expect the premises to be safe. Unfortunately, some property owners fail to provide adequate security, leaving visitors vulnerable to crimes such as assaults, theft, or even worse. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a crime due to negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation. That’s where a negligent security lawyer steps in to help you navigate the legal process and hold property owners accountable.

What is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a legal concept that falls under premises liability law. It refers to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors or residents from foreseeable criminal activities. Property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe, especially if there is a known history of crime in the area. If they fail in this duty, and someone is injured or harmed, they can be held liable for negligent security.

Some common examples of negligent security include:

• Poor lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or entrances.
• Lack of surveillance cameras in high-risk areas.
• Broken locks or gates that allow unauthorized access.
• Untrained or absent security personnel.

In these situations, victims of crimes such as assaults, robberies, or kidnappings may have grounds to file a negligent security lawsuit. Don’t hesitate to contact our Atlanta negligent security lawyer today!

Common Locations Where Negligent Security Cases Can Occur

Negligent security cases can arise in various types of properties where property owners are expected to provide safety measures. These locations include:

• Apartment Complexes:Residents rely on building owners to provide adequate security measures, such as secure entry points, surveillance cameras, and lighting in common areas like parking lots or stairwells.
• Hotels and Motels: These locations often host travelers and are responsible for maintaining guest safety by ensuring secure locks, proper lighting, and visible security personnel.
• Nightclubs and Bars: Patrons at nightclubs or bars can be vulnerable to crimes, especially if the establishment fails to employ trained security staff or provide sufficient lighting and surveillance inside and outside the venue.
• Shopping Malls and Retail Stores: These high-traffic areas are often targets for thefts or assaults, particularly in parking garages or lots, and require diligent security measures to protect customers.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Security in hospitals is crucial to protect patients and staff from potential violence, theft, or other criminal activity. Failing to provide adequate security can result in liability for the facility.
• Office Buildings and Workplaces: Employers and building managers are responsible for the safety of employees and visitors by maintaining secure access points, surveillance systems, and proper lighting in workplace environments.

These are just a few examples of places where negligent security cases can arise. Property owners in these locations must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and employees.

Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners

Property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for visitors. This responsibility is especially heightened if the area has a history of criminal activity or if the owner is aware of potential dangers. In Georgia, the O.C.G.A. §51-3-1 code outlines that property owners must exercise “ordinary care” to keep their premises safe for guests. Similarly, Washington, D.C. law holds property owners accountable if they fail to provide reasonable security measures.

Negligent security attorneys can help prove that a property owner did not meet this legal obligation. If they failed to hire security guards, install functioning cameras, or maintain proper lighting, the owner could be found liable if a visitor was harmed due to these lapses in security.

Common Examples of Negligent Security

Criminal activity can happen almost anywhere, but certain failures in security can increase the likelihood of such incidents occurring. Here are some common examples of negligent security that can lead to legal action:

• Insufficient Lighting: Dark or dimly lit areas, such as parking lots or stairwells, provide opportunities for criminal activity. A property owner’s failure to install or maintain proper lighting may be considered negligent.
• Broken Locks or Gates: Locks that are broken or gates that are left unsecured can allow criminals to easily enter a property. Apartment complexes, hotels, and office buildings are especially vulnerable to this type of negligence.
• Lack of Security Cameras: Surveillance cameras act as both a deterrent and a tool for investigating criminal activity. If a property owner fails to install or maintain working cameras, they may be held accountable for crimes committed on their premises.
• Untrained or Absent Security Personnel: Security guards should be properly trained and equipped to handle potential threats. If a property owner hires untrained personnel or fails to provide any security at all, they could be found liable for any criminal acts that occur.

Each of these failures can result in a negligent security lawsuit, which aims to hold property owners responsible for their lack of reasonable safety measures.

How Insurance Adjusters Evaluate Personal Injury Claims?

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose main goal is to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. When handling your claim, adjusters analyze several factors to determine a settlement offer:

• Medical Records: Adjusters carefully review treatment notes to find any gaps in care or inconsistencies they can exploit.
• Accident Reports: Police reports and witness statements are reviewed to assess liability and damages.
• Injury Severity: Claims involving soft-tissue injuries often receive lower offers compared to cases with visible, severe trauma.
• Statements Given: Any statements made to the insurance company can be used against you later, particularly if you admit fault or downplay your injuries.

This is why it’s critical to consult a personal injury lawyer before speaking to an adjuster. A skilled Atlanta personal injury attorney will handle communications on your behalf, ensuring that your words aren’t twisted to minimize your rightful compensation.

How Social Media Can Impact Your Case?

Today, insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely check claimants’ social media profiles for evidence that can weaken a case. Here are the key dangers:

• Photos Contradicting Injury Claims: Pictures of you attending events, traveling, or appearing physically active can harm your credibility.
• Posts About the Accident: Any public statements about the incident could be used against you.
• Location Check-Ins: Tagging yourself at gyms, clubs, or vacation spots can be misinterpreted as evidence that you're not truly injured.

To protect your case, it’s smart to limit social media activity entirely after filing a claim. A personal injury lawyer will advise you on the best practices to safeguard your legal rights during the claims process.

How Can a Negligent Security Attorney Help?

Navigating the legal complexities of a negligent security lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an injury or trauma. An Atlanta negligent security attorney can provide the support and guidance needed to build a strong case. Here’s how they help:

• Investigating the Incident: Gathering evidence such as security footage, witness statements, and police reports.
• Establishing Negligence: Proving that the property owner knew, or should have known, about potential dangers and failed to act.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Handling communications and negotiating settlements to avoid lowball offers.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, filing a lawsuit and representing you aggressively in court.

An attorney will ensure that every avenue for compensation is explored and pursued effectively.

Types of Compensation Available in Negligent Security Cases

If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: The cost of emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, you could recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period.
• Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and trauma resulting from the incident may also be considered in a negligent security lawsuit. This includes anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Property Damage: If any personal belongings were stolen or damaged during the crime, you may be compensated for their repair or replacement.

A negligent security lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages and ensure you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law.

Understanding Pain and Suffering Compensation

Beyond medical expenses and lost wages, victims may be entitled to compensation for the emotional and psychological effects of an injury. Pain and suffering damages are intended to account for the invisible toll an accident can take on your daily life.

Several factors influence the calculation of pain and suffering:

• Severity of Physical Injuries: More severe or permanent injuries generally result in higher awards.
• Impact on Daily Life: Inability to work, exercise, or participate in hobbies can strengthen a claim for non-economic damages.
• Length of Recovery: The longer your recovery time, the higher the potential value of pain and suffering damages.
• Mental Health Effects: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional distress can all factor into the settlement amount.

A knowledgeable Atlanta negligent security attorney will know how to document and quantify these losses properly to maximize your claim.

Proving Negligent Security in Georgia and Washington, D.C.

To succeed in a negligent security lawsuit, your attorney must prove that the property owner’s failure directly contributed to your injury. Key factors considered include:

• Crime History: Was there a history of crime in the area or on the property that the owner should have addressed? For example, if the property is located in a high-crime area, the owner may be expected to take additional security precautions such as hiring guards or installing alarms.
• Security Measures in Place: Did the property owner implement any security measures, such as cameras, lighting, or locks? Were they maintained properly?
• Foreseeability of the Crime: Could the property owner have reasonably anticipated that a crime would occur? If the owner was aware of prior incidents or received complaints about the lack of security, they may be found negligent.

How Long Do You Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

In both Georgia and Washington, D.C., there are strict time limits for filing a negligent security lawsuit. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the injury. In Washington, D.C., similar deadlines apply.

It’s crucial to contact a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within the required timeframe. Delaying your claim could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

Key Differences Between a Claim and a Lawsuit

It’s important to understand the difference between filing an insurance claim and filing a personal injury lawsuit:

• Insurance Claim: Initiated by negotiating directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company, aiming for a settlement without court involvement.
• Personal Injury Lawsuit: Filed in court when insurance negotiations fail or when liability is denied. Lawsuits involve formal discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial.

Many personal injury claims settle before reaching the lawsuit stage. However, having an Atlanta personal injury attorney from the outset ensures you’re prepared to escalate your case if negotiations stall or insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

Why You Should Hire Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers for Your Negligent Security Case

At Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers, we specialize in handling negligent security lawsuits and have successfully represented clients across Georgia and Washington, D.C. Our experienced team is dedicated to holding property owners accountable for their negligence and ensuring that our clients receive the justice they deserve.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. With a proven track record of securing favorable settlements and verdicts, Seay/Felton LLC is the firm you can trust to handle your negligent security claim.

Areas We Serve

Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers proudly serve clients in:

• Metro Atlanta
• Macon
• Savannah
• Warner Robins
• Washington, D.C.

No matter where you are located, we are here to provide legal representation for your negligent security case.

Free Consultation for Negligent Security Cases

If you’ve been the victim of a crime due to negligent security, don’t wait—contact Seay/Felton LLC Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our team of negligent security attorneys is ready to review your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.