Criminal offenses are often entirely preventable. In many situations, crimes only occur because a property owner has failed to take reasonable steps to protect tenants or customers.
If you have suffered an injury due to a criminal act, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the owner of the property where it happened. With the support of a Merrillville negligent security lawyer from our firm, it may be possible to receive the damages you deserve. Reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of David W. Holub today.
What Is a Negligent Security Claim?
A negligent security case arises when a property owner or manager fails to protect visitors or tenants from foreseeable criminal acts. If a person is injured while such a crime unfolds, they might have a case for compensation against the owner. These cases are a type of premises liability, meaning that owners or property managers may be held liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from harm.
A key issue in these cases is whether or not the crime was foreseeable. If the owner had no reason to be concerned about the relevant offense occurring on their property, they might not be liable. However, a history of similar crimes in the surrounding area could prove that the owner should have known their premises was a possible target. A knowledgeable Merrillville attorney from our team could look into the circumstances of each negligent security case.
Where Is Negligent Security an Issue?
While a crime in any location could lead to a negligent security case, certain buildings and businesses are more likely than not to face these issues. An attorney might pursue negligent security claims on your behalf if you are injured in a criminal act in any of the following common locations around Merrillville.
Apartment Buildings
Landlords and property managers have a legal responsibility to protect tenants and visitors from foreseeable harm. When they fail to provide secure locks, adequate lighting, or working gates, they may be liable for crimes that occur on the premises due to those lapses.
Commercial Establishments
Businesses such as shopping centers and hotels must implement reasonable security measures based not only on the type of business but also on the frequency of crimes in the surrounding area. An owner could be liable if they fail to hire trained security staff or to monitor the entrances to the building when they are aware of a criminal presence nearby.
Workplaces
Employers are expected to maintain safe working environments. This includes protecting employees from known risks posed by intruders or workplace violence. If a lack of access control or failures to respond to previous threats lead to injury, a negligent security claim might be successful.
Parking Lots
These areas often present unique safety challenges. Poor lighting, broken surveillance systems, and insufficient patrols can make them prime locations for criminal activity.
Injuries From Criminal Assaults
Unfortunately, a person can be injured in many different ways during a physical assault or robbery. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts and bruises
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
If you are in a position to seek negligent security damages in Merrillville, our attorneys could review your injuries and advise you on your options.
Talk to a Merrillville Negligent Security Attorney Today
Few things are more distressing than sustaining injuries in a crime. If you have been hurt during a criminal offense that the property owner could have prevented, they could be liable for your damages.
The Law Offices of David W. Holub are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact a Merrillville negligent security lawyer from our firm today to get started.