PKSD Newsletter: Negligent Security Puts You at Risk of Injury or Death

There have been several serious and fatal injuries at some highly publicized events in the U.S. this past year. After these incidents, survivors and family members want to know what happened and if negligence was involved. Learn when these incidents may be due to negligent security and when property owners could be held liable.

In this March edition of the PKSD newsletter, we discuss negligent security and the serious risk of harm that can result. Learn when an individual owner or entity may be liable for serious or fatal injuries on his or her property.

What is Negligent Security?

Under the law, property owners owe visitors a duty of care to keep their premises safe. Negligent security is what happens when there are inadequate protections in place on a property and someone suffers an injury or death.

What Steps Should Property Owners Take to Provide a Safe Premises?

To meet their duty of care and maintain safe premises, property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm. In practice, meeting a duty of care involves many responsibilities, including:

• Regularly inspecting the property for hazardous conditions and taking care of them
• Cleaning up spills or other hazards that could cause a slip or trip and fall
• Repairing or replacing broken lights to ensure there is sufficient lighting in poorly lit areas
• Providing adequate security in parking garages and other high-risk areas
• And more

When Can a Property Owner Be Held Liable for Injuries That Occur?

If someone gets injured on public or private property, the owner could be held liable for medical costs, lost wages and other damages. However, the plaintiff (injured victim) must first be able to prove that the property owner was negligent. If negligence cannot be proven, then there is no case.

To establish negligence, the victim – or his or her attorney – must be able to show that:

• The property owner failed to maintain a safe premises – putting others at risk of serious harm
• The property owner knew there was a potential security risk and that someone could get hurt
• The negligent security directly caused one or more victims to sustain injuries on the premises

In situations where legal responsibility for maintaining a property and its safety is shared, the following parties also be held liable parties:

• Government entities
• Property owners
• Security Companies
• And more

Real-Life Examples of Negligent Security

Recently, there was a $4.2 million settlement recovered from a realty management company in a negligent security case. The complex had a significant history of violence, yet they took no steps to increase security on the property. Unfortunately, this led to the shooting death of Dwight Higgins, the victim of an attempted robbery on that apartment complex.

At another event just last year, eight people died and many more were seriously injured at an outdoor concert in Houston. The incident, which took place at the Astroworld Festival last November, resulted in the crowd rushing the stage. Those injured or killed in the stampede were between the ages of 14 and 27.

Negligent security can happen anytime and anywhere, such as at:

• Healthcare facilities: Healthcare workers have one of the highest risks for being injured in a violent incident.
• Large crowds: Sporting events, concerts or even highly advertised sales events are especially risky for visitors. Often there is overcrowding and access to safety exits may be insufficient or poorly marked.
• Dimly lit areas: This could include parking lots, stairwells and other dark areas that create opportunities for violent crimes to happen.

PKSD Can Help Victims Injured Because of Negligent Security

At PKSD, we are here to help victims injured by the negligence of others. Learn more about your legal options in a completely free initial consultation.

Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Milwaukee are here to help victims injured due to negligent security. If you suffer an injury on private or public property, it is important to contact a qualified attorney immediately.

Experienced Lawyers. On Your Side.  414-333-3333