Nashville is a vibrant city, but being the victim of a crime due to negligent security can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of where to turn. If you were injured in an assault, robbery, or another crime on someone else’s property because of inadequate security measures, you may be entitled to compensation.
Common Examples of Inadequate Security Leading to Personal Injuries
Property owners have a responsibility to keep you safe. Here’s how their failures can lead to trouble:
- Easy access: Broken locks, malfunctioning gates, or dark entrances make buildings inviting targets.
- Missing security guards: In high-crime areas, property owners should hire security guards. Skipping security personnel might be neglecting your safety.
- Broken security systems: Faulty cameras, alarms, or lighting leave you exposed.
- Poor maintenance: Unattended pools, broken fences, or unlit stairwells create hidden dangers.
If inadequate security on someone else’s property led to your injury, you deserve compensation.
The Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners to Provide Adequate Security Measures
Property owners have a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for those lawfully on their premises. This obligation stems from the concept of premises liability, a legal principle that holds property owners accountable for injuries caused by foreseeable hazards they neglect to address.
The specific security measures deemed “reasonable” can vary depending on factors like location, type of property (residential vs. commercial), and history of crime. However, the core principle remains: taking steps to prevent foreseeable criminal activity.
For example, a property owner in a high-crime area might be expected to provide functioning locks, adequate lighting in common areas, and secure building entry points. Conversely, these same measures might not be considered necessary in a low-crime rural area.
Proving Negligence in a Negligent Security Case and the Burden of Proof
The burden falls on you to win a negligent security case. This means showing the property owner failed to keep you safe. Here’s what you need to prove:
- The Owner Knew of Security Risks
Were there prior crimes in the area or on the property? Did they know about malfunctioning security systems or poor lighting where you were hurt? Police reports and crime statistics can be evidence.
- The Owner Neglected Reasonable Security
Should there have been security guards or working lights? Did the owner have a responsibility for these measures but fail to take action?
As a victim of negligent security incidents, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. These can include reimbursement for medical expenses, such as hospital bills and rehabilitation costs, as well as compensation for lost wages due to time off work. Additionally, you may receive damages for pain and suffering caused by the incident, along with compensation for any property damage incurred.
How to Strengthen a Negligent Security Claim
Winning a negligent security case hinges on a strong foundation of evidence. Here’s how to strengthen your claim:
- Gather Evidence
Don’t just rely on your memory. Look for police reports, security camera footage (if available), or even maintenance records. Did the property owner know about broken security systems and fail to fix them? This documentation can be the key to your win.
- Find Witnesses
Were there bystanders who saw what happened? Witness statements can be powerful evidence corroborating your story and the security lapses present.
- Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and related expenses. This documentation quantifies the extent of harm you’ve suffered, demonstrating the impact of the incident on your physical and financial well-being.
The Legal Process of Filing a Lawsuit in Nashville
Being injured due to negligent security can be overwhelming. If you decide to pursue compensation, an experienced negligent security attorney can help you navigate the legal process:
- Consultation: Discussing your case with a lawyer allows them to assess the evidence and determine if you have negligent security claims.
- Investigation: Your lawyer will gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and medical records to build a strong case.
- Demand Letter: Your lawyer may send a formal letter to the property owner’s insurance company demanding compensation for your damages.
- Negotiation: In your negligent security case, settlement negotiations play a significant role in resolving the dispute before trial. Your lawyer engages in discussions with the property owner’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and losses.
Potential outcomes of negotiation include reaching a mutually agreeable settlement amount, allowing you to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a trial. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome based on the presented evidence and arguments.
The legal system can be complex, but seasoned Nashville negligent security lawyers can guide you through each step, fight for your rights, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Meyers Injury Laws for Representation in Negligent Security Cases
When selecting legal representation for your negligent security case in Nashville, Meyers Injury Law stands out for several reasons.
Personalized Approach
At Meyers Injury Law, we understand that each client’s situation is unique. We prioritize a personal approach, ensuring that you have direct access to the lawyer handling your case.
Experience in Personal Injury Law
With a focus on personal injury law, including car wrecks, truck wrecks, wrongful death, and injuries from DUI incidents and motorcycle accidents, Meyers Injury Law has the specialized knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively. Contact our personal injury focused attorneys in Nashville for more information about our personal injury experience.
Trial Experience
Unlike many other firms that shy away from taking cases to trial, Meyers Injury Law is not afraid to litigate when necessary. Our commitment to trying cases ensures that we pursue the best possible outcome for our clients, even if it means going to court.
Direct Access and Technology
Through our office management platform, CasePEER, we provide our clients with convenient technology to stay in touch with us and monitor the progress of their case.
In conclusion, we’re proud of the results we’ve achieved for our clients. Check out client testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in situations similar to yours. Call us today for a free consultation!
