At Glass Robson, we understand that property owners in Georgia have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for visitors and tenants. When they fail to do so, particularly by not providing adequate security measures, it can result in harm to individuals on their property. This is where negligent security comes into play.
What is Negligent Security?
Negligent security refers to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts from occurring on their property. It often arises in cases where someone is injured or killed due to inadequate security measures in places such as:
- Apartment complexes
- Parking garages or lots
- Hotels and motels
- Shopping malls and stores
- Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Schools or universities
In Georgia, property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment. If criminal activity is foreseeable and they fail to take precautions, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur as a result.
What Constitutes Negligent Security?
Negligent security can encompass a wide range of issues, including:
- Lack of security cameras or surveillance systems
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots or common areas
- Broken or missing locks on doors and windows
- Lack of security personnel or poorly trained security staff
- Failure to warn visitors or tenants about previous criminal activity
- Lack of fencing or controlled access to the property
When these failures lead to an assault, robbery, or other violent crimes, victims may have a claim against the property owner for negligent security.
Proving a Negligent Security Case in Georgia
To prove a negligent security case in Georgia, several elements must be established:
- The Property Owner’s Duty of Care: You must show that the property owner owed you a duty to provide reasonable security measures.
- Breach of Duty: You must demonstrate that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes, such as not installing proper lighting or failing to hire security guards in a high-crime area.
- Causation: You must show that the lack of security directly caused the incident that led to your injuries.
- Damages: You must prove that you suffered injuries or losses as a result of the crime that occurred due to the negligent security.
Georgia courts will also consider whether the criminal act was foreseeable. For instance, if the property is located in a high-crime area or has a history of similar incidents, it becomes more likely that criminal activity could have been predicted.
What Are Your Rights as a Victim?
If you have been the victim of a crime due to negligent security, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish particularly reckless property owners.
At Glass Robson, we have extensive experience representing victims of negligent security in Georgia. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and will work diligently to hold property owners accountable for failing to protect those on their premises.
Negligent security can have devastating consequences, but victims don’t have to suffer in silence. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a property owner’s failure to provide adequate security, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Glass Robson today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Your safety matters—and we’re here to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.