When you are unexpectedly harmed or injured in a place where you should have been protected, it can come as a serious shock. Many injuries or accidents may occur as a result of negligent security, in which case it is vital you don’t waste any time in enlisting the help of a DeKalb County negligent security lawyer you can trust.
If you feel your injury or accident would have been prevented with the help of adequate security, our premises liability team at Robert James Trial Attorney wants to do everything in our power to deliver you the results you deserve. You could receive compensation for your out-of-pocket losses and the more subjective impacts of your injury.
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated §51-3-1 requires property owners who invite the public onto their premises to keep them safe from harm. Criminal assault and battery cannot be predicted, but property owners are legally required to exercise reasonable care. Whether the efforts a property owner makes are “reasonable” depends on the circumstances.
Factors such as the nature of the business, the amount of crime in the area, and the physical layout of the premises influence the type of security measures the owner must take to provide reasonable security for their patrons.
Negligent security can exist in any number of properties, including but not limited to:
When a person suffers injuries due to a crime on the premises of a business, school, or apartment, the crime victim could hold the property owner and business operator liable for their injuries.
Knowledgeable DeKalb County attorney Robert James could review crime data in the neighborhood and find out whether other people had been crime victims while visiting the business. We could also analyze the crime scene photos to determine the security measures in place when the incident occurred and tour the site to see whether the owner installed any security upgrades after the fact. This information can help determine whether the owner made reasonable efforts to protect from crime.
Some ways in which property owners neglect to protect those who visit their premises include inadequate lighting in parking areas, lack of locks or fences, broken security gates, employing improperly trained security staff, a lack of security protocols, or failing to install adequate security cameras. If a property owner or business operator did not implement adequate security measures, they could be liable in civil court for a crime victim’s damages.
Damages could include medical costs, lost income, and reimbursement for loss of or damage to property. The owner or business operator also could owe compensation for physical pain, inconvenience, embarrassment, and disability. The psychological impact of crime can be significant, and damages might include reimbursement for treatment of conditions like PTSD and a sum to acknowledge the anxiety, insomnia, or other symptoms the crime victim experienced since the incident.
An injured person must prove their damages through documents like receipts or tax returns, witness statements, expert opinions, and testimony. An attorney in DeKalb County could assist with cataloging and documenting damages.
Georgia law generally allows an injured person two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit claiming damages from the responsible parties. A person could have more time under specific circumstances, so it is always wise to consult a legal professional rather than assume too much time has passed.
For example, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §9-3-99 tolls the statute of limitations for a civil lawsuit during a criminal proceeding relating to the incident that gave rise to the civil claim. In other words, if someone is arrested for a crime, the clock does not begin ticking on a civil claim related to the crime until the prosecutor resolves the criminal case. A crime victim has two years from the final judgment in criminal court to bring a civil action for their injuries against a property or business owner.
Although the law gives people injured due to crimes additional time to file a lawsuit, there is no benefit in waiting to contact an attorney in DeKalb County. Swift action allows the legal professional to review evidence and witness statements while they are fresh. Furthermore, once an injured person has engaged an attorney, others involved in the civil case may not contact them directly, allowing the victim the opportunity to recover in relative peace.
If you have been injured due to a property or business owner’s failure to take adequate crime deterrence measures, you need a DeKalb County negligent security lawyer to passionately advocate on your behalf. Look no further than Robert James Trial Attorneys.
We prioritize integrity as a cornerstone of our firm, which is why our clients can rest assured they are in more than capable hands when they have us on our side. Whether you are in need of compensation for your costly medical bills, loss of work and wages, or pain and suffering, we want to fight for you.
Do not delay seeking compensation for your injuries. Schedule an initial consultation with a member of our firm today.
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