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Charleston Negligent Security Attorney

In 2016, there were 411 violent crimes committed in Charleston and over 3,500 more property crimes. In many cases, proper security measures may have prevented these crimes. The owner of the property where the crime took place has a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of the people on their premises.

To learn more about what property management entails, talk to a premise liability lawyer.

When Lax Security is Negligence

Criminals often find ways to foil even the best security; however, they are more likely to stage an attack on a location where the security is not as strong. You may suffer an attack needlessly when property owners are negligent about security.

Property owners have certain responsibilities to the people they invite on their property and must ensure their property is reasonably safe to occupy. This means they must maintain the property in good repair and prevent injuries during the normal use of the property. When a property owner fails to take basic, reasonable, security precautions they may be negligent.

Examples of Negligent Security in Charleston

Property owners may be negligent in their security duties if a  reasonable person could have foreseen the crime and the property owner still took no steps to secure the premises. Reasonable security may vary depending on the property. Here are some specific examples depending on the type of property:

• At a convenience store, negligent security may mean that poor lighting conditions offered a haven of shadows for criminals. Failure to install and maintain good lighting might constitute negligence in this case.
• At a hotel, a failure to install quality door locks could place those who stay the night at risk. Negligent security could include allowing easy access to the hotel without proper oversight or supervision.
• At a college dorm, negligent security may include a failure to have proper policies for securing the dorm. A lack of a security guard, or allowing easy access to the dorm after dark, might be negligence as well.
• At work, a failure to install the proper policies to avoid workplace violence could constitute a form of negligent security. A lack of disciplinary measures for those who have demonstrated violent tendencies or made threats would also be an example of negligent security at work.
• At a daycare, a failure to properly check the backgrounds of those entrusted to care for children would be negligence. The security of the children is the responsibility of the owners, and a failure to train staff to properly supervise the children would be negligence.

What to Do If You Believe You Were a Victim of Negligent Security

Take steps to document the incident if you believe you’ve been the victim of negligent security. Call the police to report the crime as soon as possible. A copy of the police report will be necessary to document the crime.

Write down everything you can remember as soon as possible after the event. This will help you ensure your memory of the details stays fresh. Be sure to include anything that leads you to believe that the security was negligent.

When you can, photograph the scene, including any areas where security appears to be lacking. Owners may repair broken lights or busted locks after a crime to try to absolve themselves.

When an owner is negligent about security you have a right to pursue compensation for what you have suffered. The Charleston negligent security lawyers at the Max Sparwasser Law Firm, LLC are experienced in these cases and can protect your rights. Contact us today.