Determining if You Have a Negligent Security Case

All property owners in Illinois have the obligation to ensure visitors will not be harmed when they enter their premises. Many people think this only means property owners must warn visitors of dangerous conditions, such as slippery floors that have just been mopped, and ensure the physical area is safe. However, it also means that property owners must ensure they have proper security in place so visitors do not become a victim of assault, theft, or another criminal act.

When a property owner has failed to enact proper security measures, such as installing video surveillance devices, it places people at great risk of suffering injuries, or even wrongful death. If you have been hurt due to negligent security measures, you can hold the property owner liable for paying damages. First though, you must determine if you have a negligent security case.

Criminal History of the Property

One of the first steps a premises liability lawyer will take when investigating a negligent security case will be to uncover any criminal history on or near the premises. If the property was the known site of criminal activity, the property owner has an increased responsibility to protect visitors from the known threat. If the property owner does not take the property security measures and someone becomes a victim of criminal activity, the owner can be held liable.

For example, if an apartment building is in an area that is known for criminal activity, the owner of the building must protect tenants and visitors from criminal acts. In this case, the owner should ensure the building is locked and require visitors to use an intercom system to enter the building. The owner should also ensure the parking lot is well lit and that a video surveillance system is installed. If the owner did not properly secure the premises and someone became a victim of criminal activity, the injured party could hold the property owner liable.

Proving a Negligent Security Case

Discovering that a property had a known criminal history is one way to determine that you have a negligent security case. However, you must also prove certain elements of your case. These include:

• The property owner was legally obligated to provide adequate security on the premises,
• The property owner failed to provide that adequate security, and
• Your injuries were a result of the inadequate security measures

If you can successfully prove the above elements of your case, you can claim compensation for any injuries or losses you sustained as a result of the criminal act. A Rockford premises liability lawyer will conduct a full investigation and collect evidence to prove your claim.

Call Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Rockford Today

No one should become the victim of a criminal act, particularly when proper security measures could have prevented it. If you or someone you love has been hurt, our Rockford premises liability lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. have the necessary experience to handle your case. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help you prove your claim.