In Kingstree, South Carolina, negligent security leading to crime victimization is a significant concern. This involves situations where property or business owners fail to take adequate security measures, resulting in crimes on their premises. Understanding your rights and options is crucial for those affected by crime on poorly secured premises.
When you suffer critical injuries, a crime victim and negligent security lawyer with Marc Brown Law Firm can help you demand justice. Your dedicated personal injury attorneys will stop at nothing to maximize your payout. Contact our office today to learn more about negligent security, relevant laws, and how Marc Brown Law Firm can assist you through these difficult times.
Understanding Negligent Security
Negligent security occurs when a property owner is held liable for failing to take reasonable security measures and a person is harmed on their property due to a foreseeable crime per South Carolina Code of Annotated Laws Title 27, Chapter 3. Negligent security incidents can occur in various places, including:
- Shopping centers
- Gas stations
- Parking lots and garages
- Nightclubs and bars
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels
- Amusement parks
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals
- Shopping malls
If a property owner does not put in adequate security measures like surveillance cameras, proper lighting, or security personnel, and a crime like theft, assault, or sexual battery occurs, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the property owner.
If you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you may be barred from collecting compensation for your losses based on the state’s modified comparative negligence laws under South Carolina Code § 15-38-15. We can take over the legal details on your behalf, including gathering evidence, establishing the property owner’s negligence, and seeking compensation for the victim’s losses.
Common Negligent Security Scenarios
Some common scenarios which may require a crime victims/negligent security lawyer include:
- Lack of Security, including unsecured doors, unmonitored access, unpatrolled/dark areas.
- Inattentive guards, improper screening of employees
- Broken locks, cameras, alarms
- Malfunctioning or insufficient lighting
- Broken fences/gates, lack of monitoring
- Overgrown landscaping creates hiding places and obstructs security equipment.
Crime Rates in Kingstree, SC
Like many small towns, Kingstree, South Carolina, faces challenges with crime. The crime rate is higher than the national and state averages, particularly regarding property crimes, according to Neighborhood Scout. Some notable crime rates include:
- Total Crime Rate – 63 per 1,000 people, higher than the national average
- Violent Crime Rate – 5 per 1,000 people, lower than the national average
- Property Crime Rate – 57 per 1,000 people, higher than the national average
Despite these statistics, Kingstree remains a vibrant community with safe areas for families to live and thrive.
File a Negligent Security Claim With Help From a Dedicated Premises Liability Attorney
You may be entitled to substantial compensation if you or a loved one have suffered harm or loss due to inadequate security measures. This could include:
- Medical expenses include hospital stays, surgeries, medication, therapy, and ongoing care.
- Reimbursement for wages lost due to your inability to work and future earnings you can no longer pursue due to the incident.
- Compensation for the physical and emotional pain, including trauma, anxiety, and depression.
- Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other related losses if injuries result in a Kingstree wrongful death lawsuit
Trust The Marc Brown Law Firm To Handle Your Crime Victims/Negligent Security Claim With Care
Every case is different, and property owners are legally required to provide a safe environment. They could be held liable if they fail to do so and someone is injured. In such cases, your crime victims and negligent security attorney at Marc Brown Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process. Contact our law office to request a free consultation today by phone or through our online contact form to get started.