Gun violence can happen anywhere, but certain incidents may have been preventable with better security. A lawyer, like a gun violence lawyer, knows that when property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, they can be held responsible for injuries or deaths that occur as a result. This is known as negligent security, and it is a key factor in many gun violence claims.
How Negligent Security Contributes To Gun Violence
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This is especially true for businesses, apartment complexes, parking garages, and other places where people expect a level of safety. When they ignore security risks, they put people in danger.
Examples of negligent security that may lead to gun violence include:
- Lack of security personnel in high-crime areas
- Broken or inadequate lighting in parking lots, hallways, and stairwells
- Malfunctioning security cameras or no surveillance at all
- Unlocked or easily bypassed entry points in residential or commercial buildings
- Failure to act on prior incidents of violence or threats on the property
When a business or property owner overlooks these issues, it can create an environment where violent crimes, including shootings, are more likely to happen.
Holding Property Owners Accountable
An injury lawyer knows that victims of gun violence may have legal options beyond criminal prosecution. If negligent security played a role in the incident, the property owner may be held liable in a civil claim. These cases typically focus on whether the owner knew or should have known about the security risk and failed to address it.
A successful claim may require evidence such as:
- Crime reports showing a history of violence in the area
- Witness statements from people familiar with the security conditions
- Surveillance footage or lack thereof
- Records of previous complaints about safety concerns
Who Can File A Negligent Security Claim
Gun violence victims who were injured due to poor security may be able to file a claim. In fatal incidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common locations where these cases arise include:
- Apartment buildings where security measures were promised but not provided
- Hotels or motels with inadequate locks, lighting, or security cameras
- Bars and nightclubs where previous violence was ignored
- Shopping centers with a known history of criminal activity
- Parking garages where assaults or robberies have occurred before
Property owners are not automatically responsible for every crime that happens on their premises, but when they fail to take reasonable precautions, they can be held accountable.
Why These Claims Matter
Attorneys like those at Deitch + Rogers can attest to how gun violence is a serious issue, and holding negligent property owners accountable can help prevent future incidents. These cases not only provide financial relief for victims but also push businesses and landlords to improve security measures. If you or a loved one has been affected by gun violence due to negligent security, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options. A legal claim may provide the compensation needed to recover while also driving meaningful changes in safety standards. Schedule a call today.