Suing a Business for Negligent Security After an Assault
If you have been the victim of a violent crime such as an assault, sexual assault, battery, or robbery, you may be interested in pursuing legal action against the responsible parties. Many people assume that legal action against the person who attacked them is the only recourse available after an assault. However, you may also be able to pursue legal action against the business or facility in which you were hurt. A premises liability claim is a personal injury claim brought against negligent property owners or property managers. Through a premises liability claim, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Examples of Negligent Security That Could Lead to an Injury Claim
Property owners cannot prevent every injury-causing incident that occurs on the property. However, they do have a legal responsibility to ensure that the property is reasonably safe for those invited onto the property. Just as a property owner has a duty to ensure that a building is up to code or has enough fire alarms, property owners have a duty to ensure that there are appropriate security measures. Property owners and businesses may be liable for injuries and deaths caused by inadequate security or “negligent security.”
Some examples of negligent security include:
-
Poor lighting in parking lots, stairwells, or other high-crime areas
-
Insufficient security cameras
-
Missing or broken locks
-
Inadequate or negligent security staff or bouncers
-
Overserving alcohol in a bar or nightclub
-
Broken or inefficient gates and fences
-
Absent or non-functioning security alarms
Seeking Compensation for Your Damages
Individuals who commit acts of violence against others may face criminal charges and penalties like jail time. However, these criminal penalties do not address the victim’s injuries, their suffering, or the financial consequences of the attack. Through a premises liability claim, you may be able to get financial compensation for your damages. You may be able to recover compensation for emergency room bills and other medical expenses. If you had to miss work while you were recovering from your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Compensation for non-financial harm such as your physical pain and mental suffering may also be available.
Contact a Champaign Personal Injury Lawyer
If a property owner or business failed to ensure there were sufficient security measures and you were hurt as a result, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To learn more, contact a Springfield premises liability attorney from Kanoski Bresney. Call us at 888-826-8682 for a free, confidential consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57