Gardena Negligent Security Lawyer

Gardena Negligent Security Attorney

The duty of security systems and personnel is to ensure citizens are safe and protected and can enjoy their endeavors without the risk of threat or harm. When there is a breach of this duty, the result can be catastrophic, leading to loss, injury, or even death. If you were harmed either physically or financially because of negligent security, you may need to hire a Gardena negligent security lawyer.

What Is the Negligent Security Law in California?

In general, the negligent security law in California states that all property owners have a responsibility to ensure their property is safe and secure and that if they do not take reasonable steps to ensure this safety, they can be held accountable. Negligent security falls under premises liability law.

California has its own set of laws for both proprietary and private security officers. Proprietary security officers, also known as in-house security, are owned by the company for which they work. That company is responsible for all facets of the security operations.

Some of the requirements of proprietary security officers include the following:

• They must register with the Department of Consumer Affairs and keep their registration in their possession.
• They must complete a mandatory 16-hour training as well as continuing education.
• They must complete a background check with the California Department of Justice and the FBI.
• Security guards who carry firearms must have the appropriate permit.
• They must wear a uniform that identifies them as security.

Private security guards work for private companies or individual people and can be bodyguards, parking lot security, and other types of security guards. Similar to the requirements of proprietary security offices, private security officers must register with the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) and renew their registration twice monthly.

Both types of security officers are typically unarmed, work with the general public, and have the primary responsibility of providing security services for their employers.

Security officers are the first line of defense for reporting and preventing crime. Although they are unarmed, they have the responsibility of protecting people and their possessions while on duty. The main roles and responsibilities for both proprietary and private security include reporting any security violations and avoiding obstructing law enforcement by attempting to make an arrest.

Security officers cannot conduct searches, use excessive force, or discriminate against anyone under any circumstances.

What Are Examples of Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability that means the property owner or security detail did not accurately secure their property. Sometimes, security officers breach their duties, while other times, the security system itself is insufficient, such as alarms or cameras. While some negligent security behaviors do not result in serious harm, sometimes, negligence can be catastrophic. Examples of negligent security include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to report criminal or illegal activity
• Failure to anticipate potential harm
• Inadequate lighting
• Faulty or malfunctioning alarm systems on a premise
• No alarm system
• A company’s failure to screen potential employees
• Hiring inadequately trained, unregistered, or unlicensed security officers

Negligent security can lead to assaults, stabbings, or even shootings; financial loss from robberies, burglaries, or theft; or property crimes, such as vandalism or property damage.

Who Has the Burden of Proof for Proving Security Negligence?

In negligent security cases, the burden of proof typically falls on the plaintiff. The plaintiff must prove with a “preponderance of evidence” that the defendant’s negligent security caused their injury, harm, or financial loss. Some evidence that may be collected includes photos, camera footage, eyewitness statements, or professional opinions.

How Can a Gardena Negligent Security Lawyer Help Me?

If you were harmed because of negligent security, a Gardena Negligent Security attorney can help you in many ways. When you legally enter any establishment or residence, the expectation is that you and your valuables will be protected and kept safe. When this doesn’t happen, it usually falls on the security system or officers. An experienced and qualified Negligent Security Lawyer in Gardena, CA can help you by ensuring you have quality evidence, informing you of the laws and your rights, and representing you in court.

FAQs About Gardena, CA Negligent Security Laws

Q: How Do You Prove Negligent Security?

A: The burden of proof for negligent security falls on the plaintiff, the person filing the claim. In order to prove negligent security, you need evidence that shows that the defendant, or the person responsible for providing adequate security, was negligent. Proving this requires sufficient evidence, including photos, camera footage, documentation, eyewitness accounts, and more.

Q: What Is the Negligent Security Law in California?

A: The negligent security law in California states that property owners can be held accountable for not taking the necessary steps to ensure their property is safe and secure for guests, visitors, and the like. Examples of providing security can include having a security system or cameras on the property or hiring security. Examples of negligence may include poor lighting, faulty alarm systems, or hiring untrained or underqualified security services.

Q: What 4 Elements Must Be Proven to Be Deemed Negligent?

A: Proving negligence can be very nuanced and requires sufficient evidence and a skilled legal team. In general, the four elements that must be demonstrated to prove negligence are duty of care, breach of that duty, causing harm or injury, and suffering damages. If these four elements are established, then negligence may be proven.

Q: Can I Sue My Security Company?

A: Yes, you can sue your security company if they are negligent. Proving negligence means that the security company breached its duty of care, and harm or injury occurred as a result. Examples of breaching their duties can be a failure to report a crime, being poorly trained, not registering with the appropriate organizations, or generally not fulfilling their responsibilities to protect the premises.

Contact Our Gardena Negligent Security Lawyer Today

Providing security is a serious responsibility that must be treated with care, consideration, and diligence. Unfortunately, there are times when security is negligent, leaving those under its care vulnerable. If you were harmed, injured, or experienced loss because of negligent security, contact McLachlan Law, APC, today. We have decades of experience defending the rights of our clients and applying the law ethically and compassionately.