You can sue a security company for negligence if you suffered damages because of the company’s wrongdoing. Negligent security can cause significant issues, including physical injuries and death. When this occurs, the property owner, security company, and others might be liable for the damages that you suffer.
If you suffered preventable injuries, a negligent security lawyer can help you understand your rights and act on them. They will develop a case and pursue compensation on your behalf. Most provide free initial case consultations for injury victims and their families.
How Negligent Security Causes Injuries and Other Damages
When a company does not provide the necessary security to prevent criminal activity, injuries, or other harm, it may be legally responsible for the losses victims suffer. If a security company is hired to protect guests or customers, its employees are responsible for fulfilling their duties and keeping guests safe. Security companies are often expected to:
- Prevent items from being stolen
- Patrol the premises
- Authorize the entrance of certain vehicles or people onto the property
- Ensure building entrances are secured so trespassers cannot enter
- Review security camera footage
Victims could pursue justice by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against a negligent security company if its employees do not fulfill the duties of their job. A negligent security lawsuit could allow you to recover compensation and hold the company accountable for its careless or reckless actions.
Other Potentially Liable Parties in a Negligent Security Case
Negligent security cases are often considered a part of premises liability law. This is because property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure guests, customers, and others are safe from preventable injuries on their property. When there is reason to believe criminal activity or related threats could occur, the property owner should take steps to keep guests safe from harm.
This often includes installing security cameras, adding additional lighting, and hiring security guards to oversee the area during the most dangerous hours. If the property owner fails to take measures to protect those on their property, they could face civil action in a negligent security case.
Recoverable Damages If You Suffered Injuries Because of a Security Company’s Negligence
The goal of suing a security company or another liable party for negligence is to hold them accountable and recover compensation for your related injuries, expenses, and losses. While the recoverable damages may vary from case to case, your losses could include:
- Medical bills and related costs, current and future
- Long-term care costs for catastrophic injuries
- Income losses from time missed at work
- Reduced ability to earn money
- Property lost, destroyed, or stolen
- Related expenses with receipts
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
In some serious cases, a security company’s negligence can lead to wrongful death. When a victim dies from their injuries, their family might recover compensation through a wrongful death action. Our firm can explain which parties are eligible to file a wrongful death case.
The Benefits of Hiring Legal Guidance for Your Negligent Security Case
If you suffered injuries and want to hold a security company or property owner liable, a personal injury lawyer who handles premises liability cases can help you and your family. Many law firms provide free initial consultations and represent clients on a contingency-fee basis. You should not need to pay anything upfront for legal representation.
With an attorney working on your case, you can trust them to:
- Represent your best interests and protect your legal rights
- Manage all communication about your claim or lawsuit
- Investigate and build a strong case for compensation
- Explain what each step in the legal process might look like
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Communicate with all other parties on your behalf
- Prepare and file a lawsuit if needed
- Update you regularly about your case progress
- Answer questions you have about the case
Having an attorney on your side is especially important if you have catastrophic injuries because of an assault or another injury that occurred because of negligent security. You do not want to try to navigate the claims process while also undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for life-altering injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or internal injuries.
Exploring Your Options for Holding a Security Company or Another Party Liable
There are generally two ways to recover compensation from a security company or another liable party. This includes negotiating a settlement with their insurer or suing them and taking the case to trial. In many cases, filing a lawsuit does not mean your case will go to court, as your lawyer could negotiate a fair settlement before your case reaches this stage.
Your legal options generally depend on the facts of your case. Your attorney can look at the circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate approach. When hiring a negligent security lawyer, look for one that has the experience, knowledge, and resources to navigate the legal process, develop a compelling case, and pursue a positive outcome through a settlement or verdict.
Regardless of the legal avenue you chose to pursue, you should expect your lawyer to investigate what happened, gather evidence, and work to determine liability.
Speak to a Member of Our Team About Your Negligent Security Case for Free Today
If you believe a security company’s negligence was the cause of your injuries or losses, Dismuke Law can help you. Our team provides free initial case consultations. We will review your injuries, incident, and other facts and then determine how we might approach your case. An insurance claim or lawsuit might allow you to get justice, recover compensation, and hold the negligent party accountable.
Contact us today to discuss your legal options and next steps.