You should be able to frequent public places and other areas without worrying about being victimized. However, if certain locations should have had safety precautions, such as inadequate security, but did not do so, you may have the opportunity to take legal action against the property owner when you are taken advantage of or harmed due to a criminal act. An experienced Atlanta crime victims/ negligent security lawyer from Marc Brown Law Firm can help you explore your legal options further.
We will carefully examine the circumstances of your case to determine whether the property owed you a duty of care and failed to uphold these obligations. If they did, you may be able to file a claim with their insurance company or bring your case to trial. Reach out to a reputable personal injury attorney to request a free consultation today and learn more about what your next steps should be.
What Constitutes Negligent Security?
You may have the right to file a negligent security lawsuit if the property owner where the crime occurred failed to take necessary safety precautions. For example, nightclubs or bars have a legal responsibility to maintain the safety of the premises per Georgia Code § 51-3-1. When they fail to install surveillance cameras, hire security guards or bouncers, or implement other safety precautions, they could be sued for damages if you are attacked or sexually assaulted at the nightclub.
Who Can Be Sued for Damages?
Multiple parties could share liability for your damages if you suffer catastrophic injuries as a result of a criminal attack on someone else’s property. Most often, the individual who committed the crime could
be facing criminal charges and be subject to liability in your personal injury lawsuit. However, the property owner should also be compelled to compensate you for your damages in full. If multiple parties share liability, they will also share the financial responsibility.
Crime Victims Deserve Just Compensation for Negligent Security Damages
You should be fully repaid for every loss you experience as a result of a criminal incident and serious injuries. Thankfully, Georgia law allows injury victims to recover compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic damages in accordance with Georgia Code § 51-12-70. Some examples of these financial and non-monetary losses include:
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning potential
- Disfigurement and skin scarring
- Lost wages and employee benefits
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment expenses
- Future healthcare costs
- Permanent disability
- Damage to your credit score
- Reputational damage
- Inconvenience and shame
- Emotional distress
- Damage to personal property
You might also recover punitive damages as part of your settlement. According to Georgia Code § 51-12-5.1, exemplary damages are only to be paid if the defendant’s conduct is malicious or intentional.
Trust in Atlanta’s Top-Rated Crime Victims/Negligent Security Law Firm
Do not be victimized twice. When someone else’s negligence contributes to your injuries, you can hold them accountable in civil court. Not only can you get justice for your own damages, but taking action could also reduce the likelihood of similar attacks on future victims.
Meet with a trial-tested Atlanta crime victims and negligent security attorney from Marc Brown Law Firm today. Schedule your 100% free consultation by calling our office or filling out our convenient contact form. When you come away with fair compensation for your damages and suffering, you will be glad you had the courage to advocate for your rights.