Apartment Buildings Negligent Security

When renting a place in an apartment building, chances are, you are under the reasonable assumption that some safety precautions will be enforced. You want to trust that the owner of the property has done enough diligence to keep the premises safe from serious risk. However, all too often property owners are negligent when it comes to security measures, which can increase the odds that a violent incident will unfold.

Property owners have a responsibility to take steps towards protecting their patrons. So when they neglect that duty, they must be held responsible for their carelessness. If you are reading this as someone who has been hurt where you live and negligent security was a contributing factor, then it may be time to seek out an attorney near you for help. 

What is Deemed Negligent Security

Negligent security refers to the failure to safeguard people in a public area from an act of violence. Such situations may also be called security negligence, or inadequate security. Public spaces such as outside apartment buildings, shopping malls, parks, clubs, and sports stadiums must take steps to reduce the risk of public violence. If the owners of these properties are part of the reason that safety is flawed, they can be found negligent and victims of violence may be eligible to pursue compensation from them for injuries and damages. 

A factor in whether a victim of poor security receives compensation is to what extent the property owner had set up safety measures. Methods of protecting a property can include: 

• Employing security guards 
• Ensuring the property has accessible and emergency exits
• Training all staff on how to respond to acts of violence
• Providing sufficient light so that the risk of crime is lower

Trying to prove that negligent security led to a violent act in your apartment complex, can be much trickier than it seems. Oftentimes, victims have to seek assistance from a legal professional in order to have the highest chances of getting maximum compensation for all they have endured. 

Examples of Poor Security

Violent acts can happen in any public area, and at any time of day. There are many situations where property owners can be held liable for having poor security measures on their property. Some common real-life examples of negligent security include:

• Attacks at apartment complexes and parking garages
• Physical injuries sustained at a mall or concert
• Stabbings on trains, subways, or other types of public transportation 
• Shootings inside of a venue or in the parking lot
• Sexual assaults in an apartment complex, condominium, or rental home

Every incident of public violence is different, and victims must understand their options in taking legal action against the property owner who failed to provide a reasonable amount of security. If you are considering filing a case for negligent security in apartment buildings, then reach out to a local and reputable law firm near you. Contact the Saavedra Law Firm today.