Being the victim of a crime is a traumatizing experience, made even worse when the crime could have been prevented. Property owners that invite people onto their premises for business purposes have a duty to exercise care to keep them safe. These property owners might include:
Landlords and property managers
Shopkeepers and mall operators
Security companies
Office buildings and hospitals
The key issues in any inadequate security case are (1) the question of the foreseeability of the criminal act, and (2) what measures would have been necessary to prevent it? The issue of foreseeability relates to whether there were reasons to suspect that there would be criminal activity on the premises. This can relate to specific criminal activity or a more general history of criminal activity on the property. Other issues to examine is whether the were specific obligations to provide security, such as with a security company or a management company.
Inadequate security cases require a significant investment of time and resources in preparing and investigating the case. However, skilled representation can help victims of inadequate security recover the compensation they deserve.
