Injured in North Carolina Due to Inadequate Security? You May Be Entitled to Significant Compensation

Many recent headlines seem to feature innocent North Carolinians getting hurt in places that are usually considered safe – such as shopping malls, movie theaters, apartment complexes, bars, and clubs. When a preventable injury occurs, the property owner may be held liable for damages under premises liability law.

Property owners are generally responsible for providing adequate security for foreseeable criminal acts by others, and when they don’t, the consequences can be severe. Factors to be considered when determining “foreseeability” include:

• whether the property is in a high crime area
• if there is a history of criminal activity on the property itself
• the type of business conducted on the property (some attract more danger than others)

At the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, we help victims of inadequate security. You can seek accountability – and compensation – for your harms and losses. Don’t hesitate to call us today at 1-866-900-7078 for a free case evaluation.

Premises Liability & Inadequate Security Cases: How They Happen

Property owners and operators are generally required to provide a reasonably safe environment for patrons and guests, and negligent or inadequate security is one of the common ways they may fail in this responsibility.

Premises liability is the legal concept that applies when a property owner’s negligence leads to an unsafe environment and harm. When property owners don’t take appropriate security steps to prevent foreseeable acts of violence or injury,  they may be held legally responsible for the consequences.

Examples of potential negligent or inadequate security include:

• Failing to hire trained security despite known crime risks
• Negligent hiring of employees with criminal records
• Ignoring prior incidents or threats on or near the property
• Poor surveillance or inadequate or non-functional camera coverage
• Unsecured entrances and exits
• Inadequate training for staff on how to respond to security threats
• Lack of coordination and situational planning with local law enforcement
• Insufficient lighting in parking garages, stairwells, hallways, or remote areas
• Failure to install fencing to control access to the property

Each of the above conditions may contribute to the “foreseeability” of your injuries – the idea that the property owner should have known an incident, such as a shooting or a fight, could happen but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

These cases can be complex, and determining liability often requires in-depth investigation. That’s where we come in. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Where Inadequate Security Often Leads to Injury

How do you know if you have been a victim of inadequate security? Below are some broad categorizations of where this type of premises liability case can occur:

• Shopping Malls – Malls often have security guards, controlled entry, and set hours of operation which indicate that their owners generally understand their responsibility for providing a safe and secure environment for shoppers.
• Movie Theaters – There have been news stories about mass shootings in movie theaters, especially late night showings of controversial movies. Moviegoers should be able to expect adequate security when attending a movie.
• Apartment Complexes – In apartments located in high-crime areas, surveillance cameras, controlled access like functional locks on gates and doors, and trained security patrols may be needed to protect residents and visitors.
• Clubs and Bars – There have even been incidents when employees, such as bouncers and bar staff, have been the perpetrators of violence against customers they were hired to protect.
• Concerts and Festivals – Security is needed for safety when large groups of people gather together in one common area. Concert and festival organizers have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for attendees.

Unfortunately, people are often injured due to others’ negligence. If you are the victim of a violent act due to inadequate or negligent security, it is important to consult with an attorney about your rights.

Should the Property Owner Have Known About the Danger That Harmed You?

The key legal question in these cases is whether the property owner should have foreseen the risk of injury due to inadequate security and taken steps to prevent it.

Some indicators your injury may have been foreseeable include:

• A history of violent incidents and crime nearby
• Reports of gang activity or armed robberies
• Multiple 911 calls or security complaints
• Social media mentions of possible upcoming violence at the property

If the property owner knew or should have known that violence was possible and failed to act, you may have an inadequate security premises liability case.

Determining Liability in an Inadequate Security Case

Depending on the facts, the following parties may be held liable:

• The property owner
• Property management firms overseeing security
• Security companies contracted to patrol or monitor the premises
• Tenants or anchor stores (if at a shopping mall, like Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh) if the incident occurred in or around their leased area and they contributed to unsafe conditions

We investigate all angles to try to determine who had control, who had knowledge of the risk, and who may have failed to act. We can help you fight to hold responsible parties accountable and seek full compensation for your injuries.

What to Do After Being Injured Because of Inadequate Security Measures at a Mall, Movie Theater, or Apartment Complex

If you have been hurt because a property owner has been negligent in providing a safe environment, follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Preserve any evidence — photos, videos, clothing, or witness contact info.
• Do not speak with property owners or insurers before talking to a lawyer.
• Cooperate with law enforcement and be sure to file a police report.
• Contact us for help and a free, no obligation case evaluation.

Kinds of Compensation You May Be Owed in an Inadequate Security Premises Liability Case

Victims of inadequate security may be eligible for a wide range of compensation. The purpose of this potential compensation is to help make the victim as “whole” as possible, both financially and emotionally, after the traumatic event.

Below  are the types of damages that inadequate security victims often seek in a premises liability case:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, and medication
• Lost wages and income, including loss of job-related benefits
• Pain and suffering, including depression, fear of returning to public places, and chronic pain
• Emotional distress and mental anguish, including PTSD and survivor’s guilt
• Disfigurement or permanent disability, including scarring and paralysis
• Punitive damages in some cases