When visiting a casino, hotel, shopping center, or other public area, it is reasonable to expect safety. While property owners can’t prevent every crime, they are expected to take reasonable steps to reduce foreseeable dangers. If they do not, you may wish to seek the help of a Summerlin negligent security lawyer.
These situations call for an experienced Summerlin premises liability lawyer. At H&P Law, we have helped our clients recover over $100 million in damages for their cases. If negligent security has cost you, you deserve an advocate who will fight fiercely on your behalf.
A Negligent Security Lawyer in Summerlin Can Help Victims Hold Property Owners Accountable
Negligent security cases are different from other cases because the lawsuit is not typically brought against the criminal who committed the act. Instead, the claim focuses on whether the property owner, manager, or another responsible party failed to provide reasonable security under the circumstances. Your Summerlin personal injury lawyer can help by:
- Investigating the incident
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Obtaining surveillance footage before it is deleted
- Reviewing police reports and incident records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting security experts when appropriate
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing the case for trial if necessary
These cases often require extensive investigation. Proving inadequate security generally involves much more than showing a crime occurred. The evidence must directly point to a lack of reasonable care on behalf of the property owner and/or the security company.
Property Owners Have a Duty to Take Reasonable Steps to Protect Lawful Visitors
Nevada law generally requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe premises for lawful visitors (NRS 41.510). This responsibility extends beyond repairing physical hazards and may include providing reasonable security when criminal activity is a potential risk on the grounds.
Several factors can play into what qualifies as reasonable security. The location of the property, history of criminal activity, hours of operation, and type of business conducted are often taken into consideration when determining what level of security a business should require.
If you have been harmed in a location that you believe should have had more robust security, speaking with a qualified negligent security attorney in Summerlin can help you determine if you may have a case and what it could be worth.
Negligent Security Can Occur in Many Different Locations Throughout Summerlin
The type of business alone does not determine whether security is needed or what level. While some businesses are not inherently dangerous, if they are open to the general public, in an area that has a higher crime rate, or conduct business that may be a higher risk for violence, security is often needed. Potential locations include:
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and resorts
- Casinos
- Shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants and bars
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Office buildings
- Entertainment venues
- Colleges and universities
- Hospitals
- Banks and ATMs
Every property presents different security risks, meaning reasonable security measures may vary depending on the circumstances. It is a property owner’s duty to ensure a safe experience for patrons.
Foreseeability Often Determines Whether a Property Owner May Be Liable
One of the main determinants in many negligent security cases is whether the criminal act was reasonably foreseeable. Courts often consider whether similar crimes had previously occurred on or near the property or whether the owner knew or should have known that additional security measures were necessary.
For something to be considered foreseeable, it doesn’t mean that it is inevitable. It focuses more on whether the property owner had sufficient notice that criminal activity posed a risk to visitors. If they had this notice and opted not to do anything about it, it may be considered negligence.
Lack of security can pose a serious risk to guests of an establishment. If a property owner is negligent and does not have a well-trained, effective security team, they may be liable for injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma that result from their lack of foresight.
Inadequate Security Can Take Many Different Forms
Many people picture security guards when they think about negligent security, but inadequate security can involve much more. Examples may include:
- Broken security gates
- Poor lighting
- Malfunctioning surveillance cameras
- Broken locks
- Unsecured entrances
- Failure to repair fencing
- Lack of controlled access
- Failure to hire security personnel when appropriate
- Broken intercom systems
- Failure to respond to previous criminal activity
Negligent security is often the result of multiple areas not being properly handled, not a single missed piece. If you have been harmed, an attorney can help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Liability Can Sometimes Be Shared
Liability in negligent security cases can be complex. A property owner may hire a security company or a maintenance company to ensure everything is handled properly. If this does not occur, the other parties involved may be partially at fault.
Additionally, if you are in a space where you should not have been and it was clearly marked, you may be partially liable. Nevada abides by a comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as you are no more than 50% liable, you may still be entitled to damages, minus the percentage of liability that falls onto you (NRS 41.141).
Your Summerlin negligent security attorney can help you understand how negligence is proven in a premises liability case. They will discuss the situation with you to get a better grasp of what happened, who was involved, and what the cause may have been to help determine the best course of action to take for your case.
A Summerlin Negligent Security Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Accountability After a Preventable Crime
You deserve to feel safe and secure when visiting a business or apartment complex or participating in recreational activities. If you have been injured due to the lack of care of someone else, you deserve compensation.
At H&P Law, our team is focused on you and will stop at nothing to fight for justice for you to the full extent of the law. Courtroom Proven. Client Praised.
