Negligent Security on New Jersey Premises

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Businesses and property owners are legally required to keep the people they invite on their property to buy items, shop for food, or have a drink safe from foreseeable harm. The absence of adequate security may leave tenants, guests, and other invited visitors vulnerable to criminal acts such as assaults, robberies, or other dangerous situations that were otherwise preventable.

When a business or property owner fails to provide a safe environment, the injured person can file a claim for negligent security. Whether it’s a hotel with unsecured entry points or a shopping center with no security presence, an experienced Negligent Security lawyer in New Jersey can hold those responsible for those unsafe conditions accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward.

 

What is Negligent Security and Premises Liability?

Negligent security refers to the failure of a property or business owner to implement adequate safety measures and take reasonable steps to protect visitors from preventable harm. This harm can result from a lack of surveillance, broken locks or fencing, or failure to address known safety risks on the property.

Negligent security claims can arise from a lack of proper security measures in places such as:

In New Jersey, negligent security actions fall under premises liability. This means that premises liability law can hold property owners and occupiers responsible for any injuries and damages a customer or visitor experiences because of inadequate security.

Proving a negligent security claim requires demonstrating that the property owner was aware or should have been aware of potential safety risks but failed to take reasonable action to address them.

The level of security a property owner is required to provide under New Jersey law may vary based on the safety concerns present in a particular neighborhood. Liability for negligent security also applies to private parking lots and back alleys used by the public to reach a business.

What Situations Can Lead to Claims for Negligent Security Issues?

As each property presents its own set of risks and challenges, what might be considered adequate security for one building may be inadequate for another. For this reason, property owners and maintainers must continually assess the security measures in place to meet the ever-changing demands of the premises. Unfortunately, some property owners, businesses, and landlords opt for insufficient security protocols.

Some examples of what might constitute negligent security include:

• A business owner’s failure to properly train or hire experienced security guards in areas with elevated crime rates or a history of violent incidents.
• A store owner’s failure to provide sufficient lighting in areas like parking lots or dark stairwells.
• A landlord’s failure to install secure locks on residents’ doors or replace damaged locks. 
• A mall’s failure to regularly maintain and test security cameras or alarm systems. 
• A property manager’s failure to maintain proper fencing or gates around the premises.

Although different kinds of establishments have different security needs, property and business owners should generally ensure there is sufficient security in the form of:

• Proper lighting, particularly in high-risk areas vulnerable to criminal activity.
• Locks, alarms, and security cameras that are kept in good working condition.
• The presence of security guards stationed appropriately throughout the area.
• Surveillance cameras that are regularly and actively monitored 

If any of these issues played a role in causing or contributing to your injury, a premises liability lawyer can carefully review the details of your case and take action to hold the liable party or parties responsible for their negligence.

Proving Liability in a New Jersey Negligent Security Case

To successfully seek damages after an accident, the injured party must prove that the business or property owner had a duty to create a safe environment and failed to do so. This can involve anything from failing to fix broken locks to neglecting to install security cameras in high-risk areas.

Proving negligence in these cases can sometimes be difficult; working with a skilled premises liability attorney who can gather evidence and build a compelling case on your behalf can give you the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.

A successful negligent security claim will address whether:

• The property owner knew or should have known about the danger: For example, if you were assaulted outside a nightclub with a history of violent altercations, the establishment’s owner should have been aware of the issue and acted accordingly to protect their patrons from becoming victims of violent crimes. Your lawyer will take into account past police visits to the property and any history of criminal activity or prior complaints to help prove your case. 
• There was sufficient security: This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. For instance, in some cases, it may be as simple as having appropriate lighting in the nightclub and implementing surveillance cameras to monitor high-risk areas.
• The owner took steps to address the potential hazard: The court will assess whether the property owner or management company implemented any measures to address security risks. Additionally, the court will consider if these measures were reasonable given the history of incidents or the nature of the property.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you (or your loved one) may be facing a lifetime of medical expenses, extensive physical therapy, and the need for ongoing care. With the help of a premises liability attorney, you can recover compensation for your immediate medical expenses and long-term care needs.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Skilled Premises Liability Lawyer 

When you go to a restaurant, nightclub, bar, or other establishment, you should not have to worry about inadequate security measures putting you at risk of harm. If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident as a result of a property owner’s failure to address known security risks, a seasoned New Jersey premises liability lawyer can provide you with the personalized attention and support needed during this challenging time.

Take the first step toward justice and schedule a complimentary case review with a New Jersey personal injury attorney today.

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