WASHINGTON, D.C. NEGLIGENT SECURITY ATTORNEY

Visitors to a store, restaurant, or another public or private property in Washington DC have the right to be reasonably safe. Therefore, property owners and other responsible parties must take specific security measures to prevent crimes, such as installing locks, gates, or security cameras. While not all assaults and robberies are a property owner’s fault, you could pursue compensation if your incident happened due to negligent security.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crimes such as homicides and robberies are on the increase in the city. Morgan & Morgan thinks that victims should not have to pay the price for a property owner’s carelessness. Our experienced negligent security lawyers in Washington DC want to help injured victims get the settlement they deserve to rebuild their lives. Contact us today to determine whether you have a case.

What Qualifies as Negligent Security in Washington DC?

Negligent security generally occurs when property or business owners in Washington DC fail to take steps to keep guests, patrons, and visitors reasonably safe. Property owners must implement basic security measures, depending on the type of premises, to prevent potential robberies, attacks, and assaults. Negligent security incidents can include, among others:

• Violent robberies
• Theft
• Shootings
• Stabbings
• Sexual assault
• Battery
• Murder

Negligent security law provides legal recourse for those who suffer injuries and damages due to a property owner’s negligence. Injured victims in Washington DC could seek justice and compensation with a personal injury lawsuit. However, negligent security claims can be challenging to litigate. Claimants may have to stand up against a powerful corporation or business and teams of lawyers.

If you think you have a case, consult with a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible. Morgan & Morgan can be by your side and pursue damages on your behalf.

What Is a Lack of Security?

Determining whether a property owner installed adequate security measures can be tricky as each case is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that works for all properties, and premises have varying requirements when it comes to crime prevention. For example, a hair salon that only opens during business hours will have different security needs than an inner-city nightclub that operates late into the night. However, in general, the following could count as negligent security:

Lack of Security and Alarm Systems

Most premises, including stores, hotels, and apartment complexes, have security systems, such as alarms or CCTV cameras. In areas where crime is rare, installing fences, gates, and locks on doors can be sufficient. However, failing to establish effective security systems or letting existing installations fall into disrepair can put visitors at risk of attacks, assaults, and other incidents. If property owners fail to fix defective cameras, alarms, or locks, and someone suffers harm, they could be held accountable for injuries and damages.

Broken or Missing Lighting

Dark premises and outside areas are an open invitation for criminals to feel safe under cover of darkness. For example, if broken lights in a normally well-lit parking garage are not replaced promptly, and someone is attacked and robbed, the property owner may be liable. Businesses and property owners must light their premises adequately to deter criminals. Failing to repair or replace broken lighting can qualify as negligent security.

Lack of Security Guards

Not all premises have the need to hire security guards. For example, nobody expects a sandwich store owner to employ security personnel to guard the premises. However, for owners and managers of nightclubs and other late-night establishments, hiring qualified security guards can be essential. Armed guards may be required to manage a range of potentially dangerous situations, such as:

• Handling large crowds
• Removing intoxicated or violent persons
• Diffusing verbal and physical conflicts
• Preventing theft
• Stopping active shooters

Failing to hire adequately qualified security personnel can amount to negligent security. Owners could be on the hook for victims’ damages, particularly if an establishment is located in a high-crime area and similar incidents have already occurred at the property or in the vicinity.

Places in Washington DC Where Negligent Security Incidents Can Occur

Negligent security incidents can potentially occur anywhere on public or private property in Washington DC, including:

• Convenience stores
• Nightclubs and restaurants
• Gas stations
• Apartment complexes
• Shopping malls and retail stores
• Parking garages
• Workplaces
• Government offices
• Amusement parks
• Schools
• Movie theaters
• Concerts
• Public transit stations
• Airports

Experiencing an assault, shooting, theft, or violent robbery in Washington DC can be terrifying and life-changing. Physical injuries and emotional trauma can impact victims’ lives drastically. Our negligent security lawyers in Washington DC see the devastating impacts on victims of crime and their families every day. If you are affected, we could help you get what you deserve so you can get your life back on track.

Common Injuries in Negligent Security Incidents

A violent attack can leave victims physically and emotionally harmed. Injuries in negligent security incidents can include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Abrasions
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Broken bones
• Dislocations
• Bullet wounds

While physical injuries may heal given time, the emotional effects on victims of violent crimes can be devastating and lifelong. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 68 percent of victims of severe violence face ongoing socio-emotional problems in their lives, such as complicated relationships, emotional distress, and problems at school or work. Other emotional effects of victimization can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Insomnia
• Flash-backs

Morgan & Morgan is here for you. If you are suffering from the physical and emotional consequences of a negligent security incident, we could help you get the medical assistance and legal representation that you need.

Victims Could Be Entitled to Compensation

Victims prevailing in a claim or lawsuit could qualify for various damages, depending on their injuries and the facts of the case. You could receive the following awards and others:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage or theft
• Physical pain
• Emotional trauma and anguish
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of life enjoyment

Our negligent security lawyers in Washington DC can assess your specific claim, calculate your damages, and determine the worth of your case.