Inadequate Security

Inadequate security at public and other places may result in any number of crimes, injuries, deaths, and property damage. Crimes against innocent individuals that have been made possible by inadequate security include:

• battery and assault
• rape and molestation
• theft of property; robbery of a person
• dog bites and attacks
• slip and fall accidents
• kidnapping
• car-jacking
• homicide

Such events can be both extremely traumatic to an individual and his or her family and very costly in terms of medical bills, lost work time, disfigurement, loss of property, etc. When inadequate security leads to a serious injury, property damage or wrongful death, the losses incurred may be eligible for financial compensation from the owner or proprietor of the property involved.

A Legal Duty to Provide Adequate Security

Owners/proprietors (including government entities such as a city) have the legal duty to maintain adequate security for people who are visiting the premises or live on the property. Places with inadequate security may be public or private, such as:

• amusement parks
• apartment buildings and complexes
• bars and nightclubs
• convenience stores
• hotels and motels
• parks and recreation areas
• parking lots, parking garages and ramps
• private residences
• restaurants, bars, nightclubs
• retail stores
• shopping malls and shopping centers
• stadiums
• supermarkets

Inadequate Security Conditions

Although commercial property owners aren't automatically liable for injuries and crimes that occur on their property, if a pattern of crime has been observed on or near the property, or if the nature of the business makes it especially vulnerable to criminal activity (e.g., a liquor store or check-cashing business), the property owner may be found to have a legal duty to use security measures that are designed to deter future crimes.

Inadequate Security May Include Conditions Such As:

• poor lighting (indoor or outdoor)
• faulty locks or security mechanisms, or no locks
• inexperienced or poorly trained personnel
• lack of perimeter protection (fences)
• lack of necessary security cameras or alarms
• need for controlled access (e.g., to a parking lot)

Learn More about Your Rights

If an injury that you or a family member incurred on the premises of another is due to inadequate security, contact us to learn about your legal rights and options.

175 Central Street
Suite 215
Lowell, MA 01852

 

 

Tel: 800-483-9219