Have you been injured on the property of a place of business, such as a hotel, restaurant, store, or apartment complex? If so, you may be eligible to file a claim against the property owner for your losses, citing negligent security. A premises security claim, also referred to as a premises liability crime or negligent security claim, is a civil action that injured people, like you, can file for a redress of the damages you suffered. A DeKalb County, GA, premises liability crime victim lawyer can explain your eligibility as a plaintiff and your legal rights.
At Deitch + Rogers, we hold property owners and business operators liable for harm caused to guests or visitors due to the foreseeable acts of a third person. Inadequate security is often the cause of injury, but in Georgia, victims of a crime may be able to recover damages from the negligent property owner. It’s our mission to help you demand justice and advocate for your rights. Call today for a free consultation.
What Does A DeKalb County Premises Liability Crime Victim Lawyer Do?
Our attorneys pursue inadequate security claims, a type of tort liability. These claims may be filed by victims of a violent crime, like assault, rape, or robbery, or any other criminal act that causes harm to the victim.
We investigate your case to determine if the incident was foreseeable. For example, a nightclub owner who fails to have parties checked for weapons may be held liable if someone brings in a gun or knife and harms another person. It would be foreseeable that violence was more likely to happen without proper security and vetting entrants into the premises. Or an apartment complex manager who doesn’t repair security gates or broken locks could be held liable if a tenant is assaulted or robbed in their home. If a property owner is aware of the risk yet fails to take sufficient steps to mitigate it or repair the deficiency, then they could be legally liable for the harm a crime victim on their property suffers.
These are complicated matters. Holding a property owner liable for the criminal actions of another person is a complex legal argument, and not every personal injury lawyer has the skill, knowledge, and resources to prove these claims. Our legal team is strong, and our resources are considerable; you’re in good hands with our lawyers.
Compensation Available In Premises Liability Crimes
As a crime victim, you may be entitled to compensation for your material losses, such as lost property, medical bills, and unearned wages, if you had to miss work. We calculate the full value of these economic losses, including projected future medical care.
You are also eligible to demand fair compensation for your non-economic damages, which include pain and suffering from your physical injuries and the emotional trauma and mental anguish that accompanies being a victim of a violent crime. In fact, these non-material losses may cut even deeper than the physical ones. At Deitch + Rogers, we advocate for your needs and support your rights as you pursue justice. Contact our firm today for a free consultation with an experienced DeKalb County premises liability crime victim lawyer.
Your Premises Liability Crime Victim Attorneys
When crimes occur on someone else’s property, victims may feel overwhelmed, dealing not just with physical and emotional trauma but also with legal questions. One key legal concept in these cases is premises liability. This concept allows crime victims to hold property owners responsible when their negligence contributes to criminal acts. A DeKalb County, GA premises liability crime victim lawyer understands how premises liability impacts crime victims and what steps can be taken in these situations. With over three decades of experience, our team at Deitch + Rogers can provide the guidance needed to navigate this challenging process, ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable.
How Premises Liability Affects Crime Victims
Premises liability is a legal framework that holds property owners accountable for injuries occurring on their property due to unsafe conditions. While this often brings to mind slip and fall accidents or injuries from hazardous conditions, it also extends to situations involving criminal acts. If a property owner’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment played a role in enabling a crime, they might be held liable.
Property owners, including businesses, landlords, and other entities, must provide a reasonably safe environment. This duty includes taking steps to protect against foreseeable criminal activity, particularly if similar incidents have occurred in the past. Failure to take reasonable precautions, such as providing adequate lighting, security personnel, or surveillance, can open the door to premises liability claims from crime victims.
The Impact Of Security Measures On Liability
One of the key aspects that affect premises liability in crime cases is the level of security measures in place. For instance, a business in a high-crime area might be expected to have security cameras, proper lighting, and possibly security guards. When these measures are absent or poorly maintained, property owners may be seen as neglecting their duty to keep the premises safe.
In cases where security measures are inadequate or malfunctioning, crime victims can argue that this negligence directly contributed to the incident. For example, if a landlord fails to repair a broken security gate or a business neglects to replace burned-out lights in a parking lot, these oversights can create an environment where crime is more likely to occur. Victims may then have grounds to pursue legal action against the property owner.
Establishing A Connection Between Negligence And Crime
To hold a property owner accountable, it’s essential to establish a clear link between their negligence and the crime. This often involves showing that the crime was foreseeable and that reasonable steps could have been taken to prevent it. Evidence like previous criminal incidents on the property, inadequate security measures, or failure to address known safety concerns can be critical in building a case.
Victims might work with legal professionals to gather evidence, such as police reports, surveillance footage, or testimonies from witnesses, to demonstrate the property owner’s role in the crime. This process can help illustrate how the owner’s failure to maintain safe premises directly impacted the victim’s safety and well-being.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime on someone else’s property, reach out to our DeKalb County premises liability crime victim lawyer who handles cases with compassion and understanding. Don’t hesitate to connect with us at Deitch + Rogers to discuss your options and start working toward the money and peace of mind you deserve.