Atlanta Negligent Security Attorney
Just about everyone knows that being aware of your surroundings is one of the keys to staying safe. But no matter how cautious you are, you can still become a victim of crime anywhere, in parking lots, shopping centers, apartment complexes, hotels, bars, and restaurants just to name a few.
So, who is responsible if you are the victim of a violent crime at or near a business you patronized? In Georgia, a business owner can be held liable if they were negligent regarding security, or in other words, if they did not do everything possible to reasonably protect you.
Examples of reasonable protection include:
- Hiring security guards
- Increasing lighting
- Adding signage
- Asking the police to enforce a no-loitering policy
If you are injured in a violent crime in Atlanta because a business owner did not provide adequate security, the Atlanta negligent security lawyers at our law firm are here to help. Call Piasta Walker Hagenbush, LLC today at (404) 996-1296 for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help. We charge no legal fee unless we win your case.
Common Circumstances That Can Give Rise to a Negligent Security Claim in Atlanta
Certain crimes are frequently associated with negligent security claims, such as robbery, shootings, assault and battery, rape, and homicide. Some examples of circumstances that can give rise to a negligent security claim in Atlanta include:
- A robbery at an ATM or while pumping gas at a station
- A mugging in the parking lot of a mall or shopping center
- An assault in a hotel room or the lobby of an apartment building
- An attack on a college campus
Whatever the circumstances, if you or a family member was injured because of an act of violence or other criminal act at a commercial establishment, our negligent security lawyers in Atlanta can help you explore your options for pursuing legal action to recover compensation.
Compensation For an Atlanta Negligent Security Claim
Individuals who were hurt at or around a business or commercial property because of negligent security may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the negligent business owner to recover damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Damage to property
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses stemming from the incident.
Success or failure of your negligent security claim will largely depend on your ability to prove that the security measures on the defendant’s property were in fact insufficient.
What Are The Elements of a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Atlanta, GA?
Those who own or manage commercial property or businesses have a legal duty to protect anyone who visits their property. When a business owner fails to provide reasonable security to patrons, they can be held liable for an attack or assault that happens on or around their property.
However, to receive compensation for negligent security in Atlanta, you will need to prove the following elements of a valid negligent security claim:
- The business owner had a duty to protect you – business owners have a duty to ensure the safety of those who they invite onto their property as guests. To prove you were an invited guest, you will need to show that there was an expressed or implied invitation i.e., that you were a customer or patron of their store or establishment.
- Foreseeability – the business owner must have known or reasonably should have known that there is a high risk of harm or injury to you. The specialized Atlanta negligent security attorneys at our law firm can help you find out if there were any previous incidents that should have made the business owner do more to ensure the safety of the individuals who visit their property.
- There was negligent security – In other words, you and your lawyers must prove that the business or property owner did not fulfill their duty to provide reasonable security measures.
- You were injured because of the business or property owner’s negligent security – essentially you must prove that if the property or business owner had reasonable security measures in place, you would not have been attacked or assaulted.
What Is The Statute of Limitations for Negligent Security Lawsuits in Atlanta?
In Georgia, you generally have only two years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you will forfeit your right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses.
It is, therefore, important to get an experienced lawyer involved in your case as soon as possible. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the personal injury claims process in Atlanta from beginning to end.
Why Hire an Atlanta Negligent Security Attorney?
If you were attacked on a business owner’s property, there are a few things you need to understand:
- The liable insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. An insurance company’s goal is to resolve your claim for the least amount of money possible and in the shortest amount of time possible, which is certainly not in your best interest.
- You should let an experienced personal injury attorney deal with the insurance companies, while you take the time to get better. Injuries can take weeks, months, or even years to fully heal. You should, therefore, be focused on getting the treatment that you need and recovering from your injuries. Your attorney may also be able to assist you with recommendations to different medical providers.
- Personal injury law firms, like ours, handle negligent security cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not have to pay us anything unless we win or settle your case.
Contact Piasta Walker Hagenbush, LLC for Your Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyer
If you were a victim of a crime at a business or other commercial property in Atlanta because the business owner did not have reasonable security measures in place, you need an Atlanta personal injury lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Visit our contact page, or call Piasta Walker Hagenbush, LLC at (404) 996-1296 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta negligent security attorney. We charge no legal fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.