Negligent security cases result from business owners failing to take reasonable security measures when necessary to protect customers from harm. That includes violent attacks and other criminal activities in areas where there is a higher potential for violence to occur.
Property owners are legally responsible for protecting customers and people who visit the premises. If you sustained damages because they failed to ensure you do not suffer harm in or around their business, you have every right to seek damages with the help of a premises liability attorney. Schedule a consultation with a seasoned Inverness negligent security lawyer for more information.
The Elements Necessary to Prove Negligent Security Cases
The claim must establish the existence of the necessary elements to win damages in a negligent security case, including:
Duty of Care to Customers
Negligent security cases require that the injured person establish the owner owed them a certain legal duty and obligation to keep them safe from harm. When a customer enters a store, the owner must ensure they are safe from suffering preventable harm while on the premises.
Violation of Duty
The claim must show the civil court that the property owner’s actions, or lack of taking actions, violated their duty to protect customers. When they fail to take reasonable action, they place customers who visit the place of business at risk of violent attacks and bodily harm.
Causation
There must be adequate proof of a direct association between the lack of security and the person’s harm. In other words, it must show that the attack and injuries would not have happened if the business owner had protected them as the premises liability laws require.
Damages
The injured person must have sustained verifiable damages to win a lawsuit against the business owner. Medical bills and records can prove bodily harm and property damage. An Inverness attorney could review the negligent security case specifics and investigate to ensure all the needed components are present to build a solid case.
Duty of Business Owners to Provide Adequate Security
When company owners and managers take action to protect their workers and customers from suffering harm by outside offenders, they can defend themselves from financial liability. Under Florida Statute § 768.0705, business owners and operators can protect themselves from liability for violent attacks against customers by taking adequate security measures.
That includes installing security cameras, lighting in and around the building, and installing a safe with timers and stickers alerting the public that people working there cannot access significant amounts of money. A negligent security lawyer in Inverness could answer questions about the applicable statutes and how to recover damages during the consultation.
The Potential Recoverable Damages
After proving the elements of a negligent security case, the person harmed may collect compensation for out-of-pocket losses and non-monetary injuries. The court may award damages including medical care, lost pay and benefits, medical devices and equipment, and pain and suffering.
Call a Dedicated Negligent Security Attorney in Inverness
Business owners must keep you safe while you are shopping or visiting their property, and when they fail to do so, premises liability laws could hold them financially accountable. While you may have legal rights to file a lawsuit, a case is complex and requires a careful investigation and evidence review to build a solid claim for damages.
A diligent and experienced Inverness negligent security lawyer could help guide you through the procedure and collect a fair compensation amount. Call today and schedule an appointment to review your legal options.