Reno Negligent Security Lawyer
Negligent security is when someone is injured due to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions against foreseeable dangers. If you’ve been hurt because of inadequate security in Nevada, a negligent security law firm in Reno can help you pursue legal action and seek compensation.
The legal team at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp is standing by to help. You can set up a free consultation to discuss what happened and what your options might be to hold those property owners accountable for your injury.
A Reno negligent security lawyer is ready to answer your questions.
What Is Negligent Security?
The legal concept of negligent security falls under premises liability law, which holds property owners accountable when they don’t provide adequate security measures, leading to harm. Unlike general premises liability cases that focus on hazardous conditions (wet floors, broken stairs, etc.,) negligent security cases center around preventable crimes.
Common examples of negligent security include:
- Lack of security cameras or surveillance
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots or stairwells
- Untrained or absent security personnel
- Broken locks or faulty access control systems
- Failure to respond to prior criminal activity on the property
When these security failures contribute to assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes, victims may have the right to file a legal claim against the responsible property owner.
Liability in a Negligent Security Case
Property owners and managers are typically the primary parties held liable in these cases.
Businesses, landlords, and event organizers must take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable danger or harm.
This liability can extend to:
- Apartment complex owners who fail to address the history of break-ins
- Hotels that neglect to secure guest rooms and shared areas
- Bars or nightclubs that do not employ adequate security personnel
- Shopping centers with unlit parking lots where crimes frequently occur
- Colleges and universities that fail to implement proper campus security
To establish liability, you must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the potential risks and failed to take appropriate security action.
What is “Foreseeability” in Negligent Security Cases?
Foreseeability is another key factor in a negligent security claim. Owners aren’t automatically liable for every crime that happens on their property. Victims must show that the crime was foreseeable and that the use of reasonable security measures could have prevented it.
For instance, a future attack may be considered foreseeable if a parking garage has a history of muggings and management fails to install proper lighting or hire security personnel. On the other hand, if a crime occurs unexpectedly in an area with no prior incidents, proving negligence may be more challenging.
Courts may consider factors such as prior police reports, crime rates in the area, and whether the property owner took any precautions to mitigate risks.
What Compensation Is Available in Negligent Security Cases?
As the victims of negligent security, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered, including:
- Medical costs like emergency care, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering resulting from your physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Property damage, such as stolen personal belongings
Every case is unique. The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the harm and the degree of negligence involved. A skilled attorney can assess all these damages to build the strongest case and pursue maximum compensation.
When Do You Need a Reno Negligent Security Lawyer?
Navigating a negligent security claim can be complex. Property owners and insurance companies often try to shift the blame, downplay injuries, or deny responsibility. An experienced Reno negligent security law firm can help by:
- Investigating the incident and gathering crucial evidence
- Obtaining security footage, police reports, and witness statements
- Demonstrating how the property owner failed to provide adequate security
- Handling all negotiations with insurance companies
- Representing the victim in court if a fair resolution cannot be reached
Our Reno negligent security lawyer understands the tactics property owners use to avoid liability and can advocate for victims’ rights.
What To Do After a Negligent Security Incident
Taking the right steps can strengthen your case if you have been injured due to inadequate security.
Some important actions include:
- Seeking medical attention immediately and keeping records of all treatments
- Reporting the incident to property management and obtaining a copy of the report
- Collecting evidence such as photographs, video footage, and witness contact information
- Making sure that a police report is filed to document the crime
- Consulting negligent security lawyers in Reno as soon as possible
Be sure not to wait too long to act, as evidence can be lost, or other difficulties in proving negligence can arise. Also, Nevada’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims makes acting quickly essential.
At the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, we believe that victims of negligent security shouldn’t have to bear the burden of their injuries alone. Legal options may be available if a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security leads to you being harmed.
Our Reno negligent security attorney can evaluate your case, determine everyone liable, and then fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Holding negligent property owners accountable helps victims recover and encourages businesses and landlords to take security seriously.
If you or a loved one has suffered, reach out to us today to discuss your options and protect your rights with help from our Reno negligent security lawyer.
