Were you injured on someone else’s property because of inadequate security measures? If so, you can hold negligent property owners accountable and recover compensation for your injuries.
Whether you’re walking through your apartment complex, visiting a store, or looking for your car in a parking garage, you have the right to feel safe. When a Georgia property owner neglects security measures, and someone is harmed as a result, devastating injuries and a shattered sense of safety can result.
At Bayuk Pratt, we recognize the profound impact negligent security incidents can have on your life. Our attorneys can stand by your side and help you hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience and have recovered over $300 million for our clients, giving us a track record few firms can match. Further, our law firm’s founders, Frank Bayuk and Bradley Pratt, are former insurance company defense lawyers. This means we know the tricks insurers use to deny people who’ve been injured fair compensation — and we know exactly how to counter these tactics.
Let Bayuk Pratt help you reclaim your sense of safety and secure fair compensation for your injuries. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Georgia negligent security lawyer.
Why You Should Hire a Georgia Negligent Security Attorney
A skilled and compassionate attorney is an essential ally in a premises liability lawsuit. Handling a claim on your own can be overwhelming and complex, but an experienced lawyer from Bauyk Pratt can guide you through the process. We know the relevant laws and legal procedures and how to put together a compelling case on your behalf.
Without a capable lawyer, you risk being taken advantage of by insurance companies. They may offer a low settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A Georgia negligent security attorney from Bayuk Pratt will know how to properly value your claim and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Working with a team of former insurance defense lawyers like those at Bayuk Pratt offers unique advantages. We know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and how to counter them effectively. Our insider knowledge and experience help us build a robust case on your behalf and negotiate with the insurer for full and fair compensation. By hiring Bayuk Pratt, you’re choosing a team that knows both sides of the battle and is committed to securing the best outcome for you.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue in a Georgia Negligent Security Case?
Given that severe harm incidents related to negligent security can cause, it’s vital for victims to seek full compensation for all their losses. An experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for losses stemming from a negligent security incident, including money for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings due to a disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged or stolen property
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security incidents occur when property owners or people they hire to manage the property don’t take proper precautions to protect visitors or tenants. Common examples of negligent security in Georgia include:
- Inadequate Lighting – Poorly lit areas like parking lots, stairwells, or walkways can provide cover for criminals, leading to assaults, robberies, or other crimes.
- Lack of Security Cameras – Without surveillance cameras, it’s harder for property owners and security staff to monitor activity and identify perpetrators. This can lead to increased crime rates and make it difficult to hold wrongdoers accountable.
- Untrained Security Personnel – Security guards who lack adequate training may fail to respond effectively to threats or emergencies, putting people at risk.
- Broken or Unlocked Gates and Doors – Malfunctioning or unsecured entry points can allow unauthorized individuals to enter restricted areas, leading to theft, vandalism, or assaults.
- Failure to Conduct Background Checks – Hiring employees or contractors without proper background checks can introduce individuals with criminal histories into the environment, increasing the risk of incidents.
- Neglecting Known Security Issues – Ignoring previous security breaches or complaints can lead to repeated incidents. Addressing and resolving security concerns promptly is crucial for preventing future harm.
How Can Negligent Security Affect Me?
Negligent security can have severe, life-altering consequences for victims. It puts your safety at risk and can lead to various injuries and other types of harm. Here are some potential impacts:
- Physical Injuries – Assaults and attacks due to poor security can result in broken bones, cuts, bruises, and other physical injuries. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
- Emotional Trauma – Being a victim of a crime can cause long-lasting emotional distress. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can severely hamper your daily life.
- Financial Losses – Medical bills, therapy costs, and lost wages from time off work can add up quickly. Negligent security incidents can lead to significant financial strain as you try to cover these expenses.
- Loss of Property – Theft and vandalism are common results of inadequate security. Losing personal belongings or having your property damaged can cause financial and emotional distress.
- Reduced Quality of Life – The physical and emotional toll of an incident can lead to a reduced quality of life. You might struggle to enjoy activities you once loved or feel unsafe in places you used to feel comfortable.
- Long-Term Health Issues – Some injuries from attacks or accidents due to negligent security can lead to chronic pain or long-term health problems, affecting your ability to work and enjoy life fully.
Where Could Negligent Security Happen in Georgia?
Negligent security incidents can happen almost anywhere, but some of the most common places they occur in Georgia include:
- Apartment complexes
- Shopping malls
- Parking garages
- Hotels
- Office buildings
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals
- Nightclubs and bars
- Casinos
- Concert venues
- Sports stadiums
- Parks and recreational areas
- Public transportation hubs
- Banks and ATMs
- Grocery stores
- Gyms and fitness centers
Are Georgia Apartment Owners Required to Have Security Measures in Place?
The general rule is that Georgia apartment owners should take steps to prevent foreseeable incidents from occurring to tenants and visitors. The level of security an apartment complex is required to provide depends on several factors, such as its location, any prior history of security incidents at the complex, and so on.
For example, the owner of an apartment complex in a high-crime area with a known history of assaults or thefts generally should have stringent security measures. By contrast, the owner of a complex in a low-crime area with no history of security incidents likely does not need as many security measures.
That said, apartment complex owners also have a duty to fix known security hazards like broken windows and malfunctioning locks. A negligent security lawyer in Georgia can review your case and tell you whether the apartment complex owner should have known to take greater security precautions and could be held liable for resulting injuries.
Who Could Be Held Responsible for an Injury in a Negligent Security Case?
There are several parties who might be liable for your injuries in a negligent security case. The potentially liable parties include:
- Property Owners – Owners of properties like apartment complexes, shopping malls, and parking garages are often responsible for ensuring the safety of their premises. If they fail to maintain adequate security measures, they could be liable for any resulting injuries.
- Property Managers – Those who manage properties are responsible for implementing and maintaining security protocols. If they neglect these duties, they could be accountable for incidents that occur due to inadequate security.
- Security Companies – Companies hired to provide security services must ensure their personnel are well-trained and vigilant. If a security company fails to fulfill its duties, it can be liable for any harm that occurs.
- Business Owners – Owners of businesses located on the premises must make sure their individual spaces are safe. If a lack of security within their establishments leads to an incident, they could be responsible.
- Event Organizers – Organizers of events like concerts or sports games are responsible for ensuring the safety of attendees. If inadequate security at an event leads to injuries, the organizers could be liable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Georgia?
In general, you have two years from the date you sustained your injuries to file a negligent security lawsuit against the property owner. However, there are some cases in which you might have to act more quickly. For instance, if you sustain injuries in a public parking lot or garage, you might have to notify a government agency of your intent to sue within a few months. By talking to a lawyer as soon as possible after you sustain your injuries, you can protect your legal rights and give yourself the best chance of winning your case.
What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Negligent Security Case?
Negligent security incidents can lead to a variety of injuries, many of which are severe and can be life-altering. Understanding these common injuries helps highlight the importance of adequate security measures. Here are some of the typical injuries in these cases:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Puncture wounds, including stab or gunshot wounds
- Dislocated joints
- Permanent nerve damage
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Sprained or torn ligaments
- Strained or torn tendons and muscles
- Internal injuries
- Dental injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sexually transmitted infections from sexual assault
- Emotional and Psychological Trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder