Negligent Security

When a person enters another's property, he or she has a reasonable expectation it will be safe. Businesses and other properties with a high volume of people generally are supposed to be places in which people can go without being harmed, whether it is an accident or the result of a criminal act. Although crime is not necessarily preventable, property owners should take precautions.

Businesses and property owners should not disregard the safety of others. It is important to ensure those on the property are as protected as possible. If an accident or an injury is caused as a result of negligence, a victim could seek damages for his or her injuries. A Philadelphia personal injury attorney can help you through the process.

Philadelphia Negligent Security Attorney

If you have been the victim of a crime on another person's property, you may be able to seek damages for your injuries and hardship. Contact a skilled and experienced Philadelphia negligent security defense attorney at Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC. Our attorneys can help you build a case and work with you one-on-one to get the compensation you deserve.

Call (215) 665-1695 to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about your particular case. We represent clients in and around Philadelphia, including Bucks County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Information About Pennsylvania Negligent Security

Possible Places of Negligent Security

Crime can happen anywhere, and not all criminal acts can be prevented. However, Pennsylvania property owners are expected to take reasonable measures to help protect those who enter their property. For example, adding adequate lighting, security cameras and even a security guard could show reasonable measures being taken to deter crime.

If property is in a notoriously high crime area, property owners should be aware and should use caution. In these instances, they understand those who enter their property could be in danger, so precautions should be taken to help ensure their safety. Failing to do so could lead to negligent security claims under premises liability.

Negligent security can occur at a variety of businesses and properties. Some of the most common places in which property owners and managers could see negligent security cases include:

Apartment complexes
Office buildings
Convenience stores
Shopping malls
Office buildings
Hotels, motels or other temporary lodging facilities
Banks or ATMs
Hospitals
Schools and college campuses
Self-storage facilities

Criminal activity in some places could be considered predictable, meaning some security measures should be obvious to property owners. For example, places where large amounts of cash can be distributed, such as banks or ATMs, could be high-crime areas. Owners should be prepared to install cameras and other necessities for safety.

Security Problems Owners and Managers Must Address

Businesses are expected to provide a reasonable level of security. This level could be determined by a variety of factors, including if the location is a high-crime area and if the property is a business or other location that could be prone to criminal acts. If the owner knows of issues with the security and fails to fix it, he or she could be liable if it results in an injury.

For example, if the owner or manager of an apartment complex is aware the area has a high crime rate and fails to fix a faulty lock after a tenant notified them, he or she could be liable if there is a break in. This landlord could be responsible because he or she knew of the potential security issue and failed to rectify it.

Some security issues that could lead to negligent security claims include:

Faulty lighting outside, such as in parking garages
Broken locks on doors
Holes in security gates
Issues with security cameras
Lack of security guard
Broken windows
Non-working alarm systems
Failure to warn of potential dangers
Inadequate parking lot security

Proving Negligence in Security Cases

In order to successfully seek damages after an accident, a person must prove the business or property owner was negligent in his or her care. For example, a person must prove his or her accident was a direct result of the owner failing to uphold his or her duty.

The injured party must prove the owner had a duty to create a safe environment and failed to do so. He or she almost must prove the owner an injury would not have occurred but for the actions of the negligent party. This means the person must prove the owner is at fault.

Proving negligence sometimes can be difficult. It is important to know the level of security at the time of the attack or incidence. Evidence is important in these cases, and an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney can help you present your best case to get favorable results.

Finding the Best Negligent Security Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania

If you have been injured as a result of negligent security, you have a two-year limit from the date of the incident in which you can file a claim. It is important to begin gathering evidence in your case as early as possible. Contact Alva Foster & Moscow, LLC for experienced and diligent legal representation. We will work to help you get the compensation you deserve.