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Have you or a loved one recently been attacked or sexually assaulted in a parking lot, at a restaurant, or even just outside your own apartment complex? While many people know attackers can be arrested and charged with crimes after they report the incident, few people know they can also pursue a civil claim of their own so they can be awarded compensation for their injuries and trauma. This claim, however, is filed not against the attacker but the owner of the property where the assault took place. But why would the property owner be at fault for your injuries?
Heyman Law Firm has the answers you need. By calling our St. Petersburg negligent security attorney, you can have all your concerns addressed and your mind can be put at ease while we concentrate on building your claim. If you've been injured in an assault, you've endured enough pain already – you shouldn't have to worry about additional expenses like medical care or the wages you've lost from taking time off work.
Take advantage of our trial experience and decades of work in the community. Call us for a free consultation regarding your injuries at (727) 822-3700 or contact our team online.
How Negligent Security Factors into Premises Liability
All states, including Florida, have laws requiring property owners to keep their buildings or premises safe for visitors and residents. Premises liability claims can be filed when a property owner's failure to fix a dangerous or defective condition on their property results in injuries and other damages.
Some of the most common premises liability injuries are those suffered in slip and fall accidents. These accidents can occur when property owners fail to clean up their spills or fix issues like torn carpeting, all of which can cause an unsuspecting person to trip or slip.
Property owners are also responsible for taking steps to prevent criminal acts on their premises. If they are found guilty of negligent security practices, which resulted in injuries from assault or robbery, victims can receive financial compensation.
Examples of negligent security that can lead to violent crimes include:
- Broken locks on gates, windows, and doors
- Poor lighting
- Inadequate emergency exits
- Lack of security cameras or alarms
- Untrained or poorly trained security guards
- Lack of security guards
Property owners can be held responsible for anything from negligent hiring practices to inadequate surveillance. Assault can happen anywhere, though many attacks occur in dimly lit parking lots and common areas where there aren't other people around to witness or help. Attacks can happen when someone breaks into a person's home or attempts to rob them. Other common negligent security claims include negligent shopping mall security, negligent bank or ATM kiosk security, and negligent security at sports stadiums. Injuries vary widely depending on the nature of the attack and can include anything from sprains and fractures to head and brain injuries.
What to Do After Being Attacked
If you've been attacked on someone's property, your own health and safety are of the utmost importance. After being assaulted, get someplace safe to call 911 and wait for assistance so you can file a police report. Seeking medical attention as quickly as possible is also important so your injuries can be treated. Make sure you tell your medical provider that you're a victim of a crime before you're treated so your injuries can be documented properly.
Once you've received treatment, don't hesitate to call our premises liability law firm to get started on the investigation. Our negligent security attorney operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning your initial consultation is completely free and you don't pay anything unless we win. Our attorney has the trial experience needed to go to court for you, if necessary.
After a traumatic experience, you deserve to be represented by a firm that can give you special attention and compassion. Heyman Law Firm is a smaller firm that offers personalized service and can help you when you call our St. Petersburg negligent security attorney at (727) 822-3700.
When Can I File a Negligent Security Claim?
Premises liability claims, including negligent security claims, are notoriously difficult to prove. In order to have a successful lawsuit, there are certain elements you must prove, which is why hiring a professional attorney who has settled these kinds of claims before is crucial.
In order to have a successful negligent security claim, you must show the following:
- You were on the property lawfully (trespassers, or those on the property illegally, may forfeit their right to compensation)
- You were injured on the property by a third party
- The property owner should have known about the potential dangers to visitors on their property and failed to provide adequate security
- Had the property owner provided adequate security, you would not have been injured
While attackers can be charged and convicted of their crimes, you as a victim may not be able to be compensated. Your best chance at recovering damages such as medical bills, lost wages, therapy, and mental trauma is by filing a personal injury claim. Heyman Law Firm can walk you carefully through the steps of the claims process and handle the legal details so you can focus on resting and recovering.