If you are a victim of a violent crime, due to a dimly lit parking lot or lack of security while visiting a local business in New Jersey, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.

While you do your best to avoid these types of situations, bad things can happen, whether you are robbed in a dark parking lot, assaulted late at night, or shot at a local event.

Victims of violent crimes have the option to file negligent security claims in many cases, which is a type of premises liability lawsuit. It is the responsibility of property owners and property managers to ensure the premises are safe and secure for guests, especially if they are aware of prior criminal activity. A person may be entitled to sue for negligent security if they are the victim of a violent crime at a residential property or local business.

Locations that are prone to negligent security include hotels or motels, bars, clubs, parking garages, offices, stadiums, malls, and government properties, like galleries and museums. Broken door locks, blind areas missed by security cameras, and lack of lighting around a business or in the parking lot can all allow a thief or criminal to take advantage of this and either hurt or rob a patron.

If you are the victim of a violent crime on someone else' property, we urge you to reach out to Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law for legal help. Our NJ premises liability lawyers can assist you in building your case.

Negligent Security Lawsuits

Essentially, negligent security lawsuits are claims under premises liability law filed by people who have been victims of violent crimes as a result of a property owner's failure to provide sufficient security to protect guests from crimes like rape, murder, robbery, rape, or assault. Legal actions are brought against property owners or managers, security companies or retail stores who fail to implement appropriate safety measures.

Every case alleging negligent security in New Jersey is based on the idea that the victim would not have suffered injury if the business or property owner had provided appropriate security measures at their location. When property owners fail to provide adequate security to deter violent crimes, New Jersey law holds them liable for negligence. While property owners do not have to guarantee absolute safety for anyone on their property, they must make necessary efforts to reduce any potential risks. They risk being held liable if they don't.

Proving A New Jersey Negligent Security Claim

• Did the property owner know or should have known about the danger?
  Your lawyer will take into account past police visits to the property to help prove your case. In order to shield its customers from becoming victims of violent crimes, a bar with a high crime rate in the past must take precautions to secure their safety. Lights being out in a mall parking lot can quickly turn the property into a place where criminals take advantage of the bar's customers.

• Was the security sufficient?
  This is something that is determined differently in each case. Is there video surveillance and staff to monitor it? Proper lighting and periodic security officer rounds are important ways for property owners to prevent violent crime in large outdoor places like parking lots for malls or grocery stores.
  
• Did any actions or inactions directly cause your personal injury?
  A negligent security scenario may arise from a number of factors, including frequent police inspections brought on by violent crimes, inadequately trained security personnel, undertrained or untrained workers, or any type of employee who is not doing their duties to the right standard.

Important Evidence To Prove Negligent Security

To prove that a property owner was negligent, it must be shown that there were predictable signs of a dangerous situation and that it was ignored. Demonstrating that the victim was on the land lawfully and was not engaged in any illegal activities is also important. Property owners will accuse the attacker of being solely responsible for the crime, and although the attacker has the primary responsibility, hosts must ensure that their visitors are kept safe from dangerous situations.

The type of business may impact what type of security is needed. An example would be that increased security is needed both inside and outside of jewelry stores, as well as check cashing businesses and ATMs.

Because the evidence in negligent security cases sometimes depends heavily on witness testimony, they can be difficult to prove. If you are injured, you should get medical care as soon as possible. This will help document your injuries, as well as physical therapy sessions or follow-up visits.

Speak with a NJ Premise Liability Lawyer Today

We at The Law Office of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law have experience helping clients and their families with negligent security claims across the state of New Jersey. We are committed to getting full and just compensation for our clients.

Please contact us online to speak with our legal team for a free and confidential consultation regarding your injuries.