Carson Negligent Security Attorney

Carson Negligent Security Attorney

Incidents arising from negligent security are more common than one may think. Unfortunately, some incidents result in injuries or trauma to an innocent individual. No one deserves to go through this, but those who do, have legal options they can take. With the helpful guidance of a Carson negligent security lawyer, anyone who has been harmed due to negligent security can seek compensation to aid them in a full recovery.

Our team of lawyers at McLachlan Law, APC, have the knowledge and experience needed to hold property managers and owners accountable for failing to provide an environment that is safe and free of hazards. We have over twenty-five years of experience and are confident that we can handle your case and give you the support you need at this time. We are a legal team you can put your trust in to fight for your rights and get you the justice you deserve.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a form of premises liability that holds property owners and managers responsible for maintaining a safe property for visitors or renters. The property should have no hazards or inadequacies that threaten the safety of those legally on the premises. Having inadequate security on a property is negligent and can lead to a harmful situation. Luckily, there is a legal action that can be taken in this situation so that the victim can recover rightful damages.

When someone files a negligent security claim, it can imply that either they were a victim of a crime that happened on the premises, or they were involved in some kind of accident on the premises. There is also the implication that the incident occurred because of negligent security, and might not have occurred otherwise. When owners and managers don’t take proper precautions, individual safety can be compromised.

There are a multitude of settings where negligent security can be an issue for innocent people. It is important to be aware of these places so you can ensure that there is some kind of appropriate security. Some locations where negligent security can cause an incident include:

• Rental properties
• Retail stores and malls
• Office buildings
• School buildings
• Concert venues
• Hotels
• Hospitals

Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security can manifest in several different ways on both private and public property, putting the safety of everyone present at risk. Property owners and managers have a responsibility to maintain a safe property at all times and make sure visitors or tenants are safe. Common examples of negligent security to look out for include:

• Lack of Security System

A security system that is malfunctioning or outdated cannot possibly do the job that is needed. In this situation, there is a higher chance of a crime occurring undetected. It is even worse when there is no security system at all and not only is the property at risk, but the people who occupy it as well. Everyone inside is vulnerable to crime and in these instances, law enforcement may not respond as quickly as they should.

• Poor Lighting

It is a lot easier for accidents to occur when people cannot see the hazards because of poor lighting on a property. Also, it is much easier for crimes to take place in darkness when the criminal is less likely to be seen by other people or by security cameras. It is negligent for a property owner or manager to leave areas of a property without proper lighting. They can be held liable if someone is injured because of an incident that occurs in a dimly lit area.

• Lack of Adequate Security

In many public areas, having properly trained security officers is vital to public safety. Places that lack security or have security officers that have not been adequately trained leave open the possibility of a crime being committed. This can be considered negligence, especially if something happens and there is either no one to respond or the personnel present don’t respond correctly. When people get hurt as a result of this negligence, it can become a legal matter.

• Inadequate Locks

A decent lock is a basic form of security that should be afforded to anyone who is renting a property. At the very least, every tenant should have secure locks to keep them safe and prevent unauthorized visitors from entering the property. It is the duty of the property owner or manager to make sure all locks are in good working condition for every tenant. It is a reasonable safety measure, and if adequate locks are not installed, it may be considered negligence.

Poor Monitoring of Cameras and Security Systems

This is a big part of having properly trained security officers who do their job well. When cameras and a security system are not properly monitored, it creates a window of opportunity for criminals. The safety of everyone on the property is compromised if there is poor monitoring. When a crime occurs that could have possibly been avoided, and leads to an individual’s harm, the responsible party can be held liable for negligent security.

By recognizing these common negligent security problems, you can identify when your safety, and that of others, may be at risk.

The Dangers of Negligent Security

There are many risks individuals who visit or rent a property face when that property’s security is not up to standards. Dangerous situations can arise when a property owner or manager refuses to uphold their responsibility to provide people with a safe environment. The consequences can be severe.

Crime on the property can increase significantly when there is inadequate security. Thefts, assaults, and other violent crimes may occur more frequently when proper security measures are not in place. The property may become a target for criminals, making it unsafe for those who frequent the area or live on the property.

People can be physically injured on a property that isn’t secure, whether it is due to a criminal act or an accident. When a property is poorly maintained and does not have sufficient lighting or a working security system, there is always a possibility of some kind of incident that would cause an injury. These incidents can also lead to some emotional or psychological trauma for a victim of a crime or a witness, impacting that person’s mental state and quality of life.

When you take legal action to hold property owners and managers accountable for their lack of adequate security, you are taking a big step to prevent any other incidents from happening, and protecting your rights as a victim of negligent security.

How to Prove Liability in a Negligent Security Claim

Establishing accountability and being able to demonstrate the property owner’s negligence or carelessness is a vital aspect of a negligent security case. You must provide substantial evidence that shows the responsible party’s neglect that resulted in your harm. The following must be shown in order to prove liability in your claim:

1. Show that the property owner or manager owed you a duty of care. If you were on the premises legally as a tenant, employee, or customer, you were owed a duty of care. The property should have been safe for you.
2. Demonstrate that the owner or manager breached their duty by failing to maintain or implement an adequate security system. This is a violation of their responsibility to ensure your safety. Examples would be having insufficient lighting, untrained security or no security, or broken locks on windows and doors.
3. You have to show that the crime that occurred was predictable and should have been foreseen by the property owner or manager. In areas where the crime rate is high or has risen, it can easily be argued that the owner or manager should have anticipated the possible risks of crime and acted accordingly to prevent one from happening. In some cases, it may be necessary to have expert testimony to further back your claim.
4. You have to prove that your injuries were a direct result of the crime or accident that was caused by the lack of decent security measures and the owner’s negligence. Causation is a crucial aspect to prove. You must show that had it not been for the negligent security; you would not have sustained any injuries or damages at all. The entire incident could have been avoided.
5. Provide evidence of your injuries and damages. Be sure to keep a copy of medical records, medical treatment plans, financial records, documentation of mental health treatment following the incident, and anything else that is relevant.

Collecting the necessary evidence to prove your claim will make for a stronger case. An experienced negligent security lawyer can ensure all evidence is gathered to support your case, thereby increasing the likelihood of effectively proving liability and receiving the fair compensation you are seeking.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive From My Claim?

When you file a negligent security claim, it is possible for you to receive both economic and non-economic damages if you or someone you love was harmed. Although you may be more likely to recover economic damages, non-economic damages should not be overlooked. It can greatly increase your compensation. The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on many aspects of your case, and the effect the incident has had on you.

Your lawyer can calculate the economic damages you are entitled to as a result of the negligent security incident. This number will be determined by evidence of expenses such as medical bills, proof of damage to property, documentation of lost wages, and any other documentation that might show the financial burden the incident has had and may continue to have on you.

Non-economic damages are a little different to calculate and may be more difficult. Your lawyer must take into consideration any emotional trauma, psychological damage, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life you have experienced because of the incident. If you develop anxiety or PTSD or can no longer do certain things due to your injuries, your compensation can reflect those added hardships.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

It is advisable to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after being injured or sustaining damages in an incident due to negligent security on a property in Carson, or any place in California. The quicker you can take action, the more efficient the entire legal process will be, and the higher your likelihood of success. This is so you can collect all the evidence you can and preserve it before it gets lost, or worse, destroyed. It is also best for witness statements as the memory is more reliable closer to the time of the incident.

Furthermore, an immediate consultation with a lawyer will ensure that you understand your rights and are aware of the potential damages you can recover. When it comes to your specific case, a lawyer will be able to help you figure out the best course of action, and counsel you through every decision you make.

An early initiation of the legal process with the assistance of a lawyer will allow for there to be an in-depth investigation into the very incident that caused your injuries. This may include assessing the property owner or manager’s fulfillment of certain safety standards, making note of any possible safety hazards, and determining if the owner or manager took reasonable measures to avoid any accidents.

A lawyer will also be able to inform you of the statute of limitations for your case and make sure all necessary paperwork is filed by the deadline. Typically, all negligent security claims in California must be filed within two years of the incident happening. If your claim is not filed on time, you risk losing the right to take any kind of legal action and the right to seek compensation.

Hiring a lawyer soon after the incident occurs gives you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve and making sure you retain your legal rights during the process.

What to Expect From Your Negligent Security Lawyer

There are many ways a negligent security lawyer can give immense support to their clients. In addition to giving legal help and advice, your lawyer can be by your side, working diligently throughout the entire claims process. Here are some things you can expect once you begin your relationship with an experienced lawyer:

• Case Assessment – The first thing you can expect your lawyer to do is assess your case to determine if your negligent security claim is valid and if the case as a whole is strong, and estimate how much compensation you should receive.
• Evidence Collection – Evidence is arguably the most important part of your case. Your lawyer can gather all essential evidence to prove your claims, such as incident and police reports, witness testimonies, and any camera footage. All of this will help in strengthening your case.
• Legal Paperwork Management – One of the most difficult parts of filing a claim of any kind is dealing with all of the legal paperwork. A lawyer can take care of this responsibility, ensuring all proper paperwork is completed, filed correctly, and filed within the appropriate time frame.
• Establish Liability – Your lawyer can work to establish the responsible party’s liability by showing that they had a duty of care to you, they breached that duty of care with their negligence, and that breach caused your injuries and damages.
• Negotiations With Insurance – Negotiations are often a major part of the claims process. It may be necessary to negotiate with one or more insurance companies, a task your lawyer can take care of on your behalf. They can ensure that your rights are protected and negotiate a fair settlement to cover all of your damages.
• Representation in a Trial – Negotiations do not always go as planned, and if litigation is necessary, you can count on your lawyer to represent you in court. They can advocate for you, fight for your right to compensation, and prove every part of your claim before a judge.
• Potential for Maximized Compensation – Your lawyer can help in the pursuit of the maximum amount of compensation possible for you. This could include all of your damages, from medical expenses to pain and suffering.

Ultimately, your lawyer’s dedication to you can go beyond just legal advocacy. They can provide understanding and extensive support, advocating for your well-being during a time that is likely difficult and stressful. You can expect your lawyer to communicate with you regularly and keep you informed about everything that happens with your case. The assistance you get from your lawyer can help you put your life back together after dealing with the result of negligent security.

Contact a Carson Negligent Security Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of negligent security in Carson, CA, it is vital that you contact McLachlan Law, APC, and schedule a consultation as soon as you can. Our team is familiar with the premises liability laws in the state and can give you the necessary support and guidance to confidently navigate your situation. You don’t have to deal with everything on your own. Let us evaluate the details of your case and help you take the next steps.