Pope & Howard, PC

Negligent Security Lawyers in Atlanta, GA

In a negligent security case, a person visiting the property of another, such as a shopping mall or an apartment complex, is assaulted or killed due to the lack of reasonable security measures on the premises.

In such a case, the injured person must show that the injury or death occurred because the property owner or manager failed to exercise reasonable care in providing security to guests and others expected to be on the property.

Georgia property owners are required to take reasonable steps to protect the safety of their customers. In the security context, this requirement means that property owners of such places as shopping centers, apartment complexes, and other stores must take additional steps to protect customers if criminal activity is “foreseeable”.

Some ways that criminal activity is deemed “foreseeable” is if similar crimes have been committed on or near the premises, the business is particularly susceptible to crime, or the business is in a high crime area.

Someone attacked, killed, or sexually assaulted due to the property owner’s negligent security efforts can seek to hold the property owner accountable under Georgia law. If you think you have a case, read below to learn more or contact Pope & Howard, P.C. in Atlanta for a free consultation.

Types of Inadequate Security in Premises Liability Cases

Many of the things judges and attorneys look for in a negligent security case include:

  • History of the Area. If there is a consistent history of crime in that area, such as sexual assault, theft, battery, or property damage, the property owner may be held to a higher responsibility for security measures on the building. If they know the dangers in the area but did not respond with increased safety measures, they may be at fault.
  • Current Safety/Security Measures. What are the property owner’s current security measures? It’s important to note if they have security gates, a key code protected entrance, security guards, cameras, or other safety measures. These measures should show that they have taken adequate steps to ensure the safety of their customers or residents.
  • Property Maintenance. The property should be well taken care of and show the appropriate amount of maintenance necessary to ensure safety. If lights are out, locks aren’t checked by security or are broken, gates are always open, or cameras need repair, their security measures may be inadequate.

Places Where Negligent Security May Be an Issue in Your Case

There are several types of places that have security standards, including:

  • Apartment complexes
  • Gated communities
  • Daycares
  • Nursing homes
  • Schools (pre-k, elementary, middle, high, and college)
  • Department stores
  • Gas stations/convenience stores
  • Grocery stores
  • On-campus housing, such as dorms
  • Nightclubs
  • Sport facilities
  • Storage facilities
  • Office buildings
  • Many more

If a property owner, business owner or landlord has reason to anticipate criminal activity, they have “a duty to exercise ordinary care to guard against injury from dangerous characters” under Georgia law; however, the standard of “ordinary care” is not specifically described and varies depending on the circumstances of a particular case.

Some examples of negligent security can include measures such as the following:

  • Failing to hire a security officer to patrol the property
  • Failing to repair or install fences or other barriers
  • Installing inadequate or defective alarms
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Failing to follow security standards specific to the industry (e.g., security for a bank might be different than security for a movie theater)

Get Help for Inadequate Security Cases in Atlanta, GA

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent security, contact the personal injury lawyers at Pope & Howard in Atlanta, Georgia. Our experienced premises liability attorneys can help you build a case and seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 404-885-9999 or book an appointment via our online form.