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Louisville Negligent Security Attorney

Louisville Negligent Security Lawyer

Serving Louisville and All of Kentucky

Negligent Security Lawyer in Louisville

Safety is a major concern in the city. According to Federal Bureau of Investigation data, Louisville Police reported 18,095 property crimes and 3,601 violent crime incidents in 2022. Whether you are in a public or private area, you need to trust that you are safe.

When property owners fail to use proper lighting, security personnel, or surveillance systems, visitors, tenants, and customers can be put in unnecessary dangerous situations. If these actions or inactions lead to physical harm or other damages, then victims have the right to take legal action against the responsible parties.

At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we can help you take legal measures against these negligent parties. Don’t let them put others at risk. Contact a Louisville negligent security lawyer to see how we can assist you.

How Negligent Security Can Lead to Harm

When a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable security measures to protect individuals on their property from foreseeable criminal acts, that is the basis for negligent security claims. Unfortunately, these incidents can lead to injuries or other harm. With that, the property owner could be liable for these damages.

Negligent security can happen in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Poor or insufficient lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or entrances can make it easier for criminal activities to occur. As a result, that can put residents, guests, and other visitors at risk. Owners should make sure that all common areas are well-lit to deter potential criminals.
  • Shopping malls, apartment complexes, or large events often need security guards or patrols to keep everyone safe. If property owners or management fail to provide these measures, and something happens, they can be considered negligent.
  • Cameras, alarms, and access control mechanisms should be functional and cover all important areas. If these systems are not properly maintained or are insufficient for the property size, the owner may be liable for incidents that could have been prevented with better security measures.
  • Sometimes, a property has a history of criminal activity. When the owner fails to take steps to improve security, this can be a form of negligence if someone gets hurt.
  • Entrances and exits must be secured. Otherwise, they can provide easy access for criminals. The owner and property manager must not allow unlocked doors, broken locks, or gates that don’t close properly to create a dangerous environment for their residents.
  • Landlords or property managers are responsible for screening tenants or employees to make sure they do not pose a threat to others. Failing to conduct proper background checks or provide proper training to security personnel can lead to a negligent security claim if a dangerous individual causes harm to the property or if hired security personnel do not properly take action due to improper training.

These negligent security issues can lead to assaults, robberies, or shootings. If you have been affected by a property manager or owner’s actions, you may be able to file a legal claim. Contact our Louisville negligent security attorney to learn about your next steps.

Schedule A Consultation

Security measures are an important part of keeping patrons and visitors safe. If you were the victim of a crime because of a lack of security cameras, guards, or other important safety features, we want to help. Schedule your no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation today.

Where Negligent Security Can Occur

While many negligent security incidents occur in residential settings, property owners are responsible for keeping visitors and guests safe whether they are in a restaurant, bar, hotel, or store. The most common places where these events can happen include:

  • Apartment complexes
  • Hotels and motels
  • Shopping malls and retail stores
  • Bars and nightclubs
  • Schools and universities
  • Hospitals and health care facilities
  • Parking garages and lots
  • Office buildings
  • Events and concerts

All these public and private spaces need adequate security measures to keep their residents, patrons, and other visitors safe. These inadequate safety measures lead to innocent victims getting hurt or killed in these dangerous scenarios. Poor security can result in:

  • Assault or battery
  • Robbery or theft
  • Stabbings or shootings
  • Sexual assaults
  • Various injuries from escaping dangerous situations
  • Emotional and psychological harm

In any event, you will want to discuss your case with a qualified Louisville negligent security lawyer. We will be happy to discuss your case and can help you determine your next options.

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How Premises Liability Applies to Negligent Security

Property owners can be held liable under premises liability law if it is proven that their negligence in providing adequate security directly contributed to the crime. How would these principles apply in your case?

First, property owners and managers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of individuals who enter their property. With that, the owner needs to take reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal acts. For example, in an area known for high crime rates, the owner of a shopping mall might be expected to provide adequate lighting, security cameras, and security personnel to deter criminal activity.

There must also be some foreseeability about the potential for criminal activity on their property. This could be based on previous incidents, the property’s location, or the nature of the business. The owner may be expected to take additional security measures if a property is in a high-crime area.

If the property owner fails to provide proper security measures, they may be considered to have breached their duty of care. For example, if a hotel fails to repair broken locks on guest room doors or neglects to install security cameras in common areas, this could be viewed as a breach of their responsibility to provide a safe environment.

In a negligent security case, you must demonstrate that the property owner’s failure to provide adequate security directly caused your injury. So, if you were assaulted in a poorly lit parking lot with no security presence, your legal team needs to show that the inadequate lighting and lack of security led to the incident.

Lastly, there needs to be some damage. These cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages are intended to punish egregious conduct by the property owner.

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What Happens Next in a Negligent Security Case?

None of these situations should ever occur. When a property owner or manager fails to take precautions to keep their residents, visitors, or other guests safe, they could be held liable for any injuries that result from these incidents.

In these cases, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against these responsible parties. These claims can seek compensation for expenses related to injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost wages, and in cases where the criminal activity led to the loss of your loved one, wrongful death lawsuits as well.

Take the Next Steps with a Negligent Security Lawyer in Louisville

When a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable dangers, innocent people are hurt. Whether it’s through physical assault, emotional trauma, or injuries sustained while trying to avoid harm, the consequences of negligent security can be severe.

Property owners have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of those who enter their premises, and failing to do so can result in tragic outcomes for other individuals. If you or a loved one has been affected, you need to contact a Louisville negligent security attorney from our legal team. At McCoy & Hiestand, PLC, we are here to offer a free consultation. Set up an appointment to discuss the details of your case.

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Contact a Negligent Security Lawyer in Louisville

Your safety is important. If a property owner failed to protect you or a loved one, we want to help. You will learn more about your legal rights and how we handle these types of cases when you schedule your no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.