South Jersey Negligent Security & Assault Lawyer
The responsibility of a property owner or manager to provide a safe premises goes beyond ensuring the floor is kept clear of slipping or tripping hazards. Building owners can also be responsible for robberies, thefts, assaults and sexual assaults that occur on their premises because of their inadequate or negligent security. When property owners allow or facilitate attacks because of their negligence, they can be held as responsible as the person who committed the assault. Pursuing a claim against the property owner can often result in a much larger and more easily recoverable settlement or judgment than one against the assailant, helping attack victims and their families receive the financial help they need to cover their medical bills and lost wages, and to help make up for the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and psychological trauma they have been forced to endure. Call me, Joseph Monaco, to find out if you have a negligent security claim. I will put my decades of South Jersey negligent security & assault experience to work obtaining justice and compensation for you.
Adequate Security Saves Lives
Property owners or managers are not always responsible for or in control of the behavior of people on their premises but taking reasonable care and implementing reasonable safety measures can help deter people from engaging in criminal activity such as robberies, assaults, kidnapping or rape. People tend not to perpetrate these acts in broad daylight, under the scrutiny of cameras, or when their intended victims are on the other side of a well-locked door. Not only can adequate security deter crime, but inadequate or negligent security can even encourage or facilitate criminal acts. This is why building owners install security features on their premises, and it’s also why they can be held liable for injuries that happen when they don’t.
What amounts to adequate security can differ according to the nature of the property, where it is located, and whether it is a scene of chronic or recent criminal activity. Common (and common sense) security measures include:
- Making sure that parking garages, parking lots, hallways and stairwells are adequately lit, and that any broken or burnt-out light bulbs are promptly replaced
- Ensuring that doors and windows are properly secured with working locks that can’t easily be overcome
- Installing cameras, gates, alarm systems, and keyed entries as appropriate
- Hiring security guards on-site or third-party security patrols as necessary
Security Guards Should Deter Assaults, Not Cause Them
Bars and nightclubs, as well as venues such as concerts and sporting events, are smart to hire security guards and bouncers to keep order. They can deter robberies and assaults simply by their very presence. However, businesses and organizations that hire security personnel have a duty to use care in the screening, hiring, training and supervising of the people they employ. If an overzealous security guard falsely imprisons a customer or an amped-up bouncer beats up an unruly customer rather than escorting them off the premises, the property owner might be liable for the actions of its employees who went too far in performing their duties. Employers have been held liable for injuries traced to their negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision and negligent retention of employees who are not appropriate for the job.
Property Owners Are Required to Provide Adequate Security
- Sporting Events
- Concerts
- Festivals
- Airports
- Casinos
- Schools
- Hotels
- Apartment Complexes
- Public Property
- Shopping Malls
- Nightclubs and Bars
- Amusement Parks
- Daycare Centers
- Condominiums
Serving Atlantic City, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Vineland, Bridgeton, Millville, Camden, Trenton
If you or a loved one were assaulted due to negligent security provided by the property owner, call or text me, Joseph Monaco, at 609-277-3166 or 215-546-3166. I serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey including cities such as Marlton, Philadelphia, Wilks-Barre, Atlantic City, Vineland, Doylestown, Lancaster, Millville, Bridgeton and Camden. I offer a Free Consultation with over 30 years of experience as well as the No Recovery, No Fee Guarantee.
