Recent White House Security Breaches a Reminder That Lax Security Measures on Private Premises Could Give Rise to Damages for Negligent Security
What Are Negligent Security Claims?
As the White House tightens its internal security measures after two high profile security failures in just two months, the nation’s focus has turned to our personal safety and security. We all expect a certain level of safety and security as we carry out our daily pursuits, and Georgia law bolsters that expectation.
Under Georgia law, business and property owners have a legal duty to protect persons on their premises from reasonably foreseeable crimes. Crimes are reasonably foreseeable when the property owner is aware that his or her area of town or type of business is likely to attract criminal activity. The property owner’s duty may include hiring security guards or requesting police patrols, installing surveillance cameras, adding security gates, or increasing the lighting on the premises. When a property owner fails to provide adequate security and someone is injured or killed on the premises, the injured victim or his family may bring a lawsuit against the business or property owner for negligent security.
Negligent security claims generally arise at one of the following locations:
1. Bars or nightclubs
2. Malls or shopping centers
3. Parking lots or garages
4. Hotel lobbies and hotel rooms
5. Apartment buildings
6. College campuses
7. Restaurant bathrooms
8. ATM machines
What Damages Are Available to Negligent Security Victims?
Victims in negligent security cases may be entitled to compensation from the business or property owner for medical expenses, lost wages or property damage suffered as a result of their injuries. Damages for pain and suffering or emotional distress may also be available to negligent security victims. In rare instances, a court may also award punitive damages.
Negligent security cases tend to be fact-specific and require the involvement of an attorney with expertise in handling them. If you or a loved one were injured as a result of inadequate security measures at a business or on private property, please contact Council & Associates today for a confidential consultation to discuss your options for pursuing damages.
This update has been prepared by Council & Associates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
