Colorado Springs Negligent Security Attorney
When we’re guests, customers, or tenants on someone’s property, we trust that they have taken reasonable precautions to keep us safe. That includes protecting us from others who might cause us harm. Unfortunately, if a property owner does not provide adequate security, visitors could suffer severe harm or could potentially be killed.
If you’ve been injured or if you lost a loved one due to negligent security, call me, Jeffrey Scott Lasswell, right away. I am a former insurance industry attorney who knows all the ins and outs that insurance companies use to try to deny victims’ claims. When you hire me, I apply that inside knowledge and experience to give you the best shot at recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. I have been in practice for 18 years. I have recovered millions on behalf of my clients, some of whom were injured due to inadequate maintenance or inadequate security just like you.
I can help you understand your rights as soon as you contact me. Call my office today for a free initial consultation or reach out to me online.
How Does Negligent Security Figure Into a Premises Liability Claim?
A negligent security claim is an example of what are known as premises liability claims. Premises liability claims are a way to hold property owners accountable when they fail to uphold their legal responsibilities to guests and tenants. In many premises liability cases, a claim is brought due to a slip and fall or inadequate maintenance. However, a property owner is also responsible for protecting guests from hostile intruders and others. When property owners fail to provide adequate security, you may be able to take legal action against them for their negligence.
Examples of Negligent Security
Some common example of negligent or inadequate security include:
- Lack of training – If security personnel aren’t properly trained in how to monitor the property or use security equipment, they may not notice intruders. This makes the property more vulnerable to attack by an intruder.
- Inadequate staffing – Larger properties may require more security staff to keep the premises safe. Property owners may not hire sufficient staff in order to save money or because they don’t believe it’s necessary. If you’re hurt as a result, you may be able to file a premises liability claim.
- Failure to perform background checks – Property owners need to run background checks on all security personnel to make sure they’re trustworthy, reliable, and have no criminal records. Failing to do so can put everyone on the premises at risk, especially since security guards have easy access to the entire grounds.
- Failure to secure the premises – Property owners should ensure that all entrances and exits to the property are properly secured at all times. Additional security measures such as fences, gates, and surveillance cameras can also help keep everyone safe. If a property is not secure, especially at night, anyone on the premises could be in danger.
- Broken locks – Locks can be intentionally broken by trespassers or worn down over time. Property owners need to fix or replace broken locks to make sure the property is fully secure.
- Non-working security cameras – Some property owners install security cameras, but they may not actually work. Surveillance cameras don’t do a lot of good if they’re intentionally damaged or otherwise broken. Keeping cameras in working order can serve as a deterrent to intruders and can help identify those who break into the property.
- Poor lighting – Poor lighting creates spots where it’s much easier for people to be attacked on a property. Property owners should make sure all areas of the premises are well-lit to minimize the opportunities for anyone to commit a crime.
- Falling asleep – Security guards falling asleep is a common cause of negligent security. This should not be allowed or tolerated under any circumstances, as a sleeping guard creates the opportunity for all kinds of mayhem at a property.
- Leaving a station – Security personnel should never leave their post without making sure that someone else is monitoring the area they were watching. Inadequate monitoring makes it much easier for someone to commit acts of violence, vandalism, or other crimes.
- Failure to act – When security guards see something amiss on a property, it’s their responsibility to act. If they fail to do so, they may fail to prevent a crime.
Compensation in a Negligent Security Lawsuit
Colorado law allows the victims of negligent security to recover compensation for many different kinds of losses if they’ve been injured. If you win a negligent security or premises liability lawsuit against a property owner, you could potentially be compensated for:
- Your past and future medical bills, such as prescription drugs, doctor’s office visits, hospital stays, lab work, and related expenses
- Your lost wages, if you had to miss work because of your injuries
- Your reduced ability to work in the future, if you have a major disability due to your injuries
- The value of any of your property that was damaged or destroyed
- Your physical pain and suffering
- Your mental anguish
Time Limit for Filing a Claim
You have a limited amount of time to file a negligent security lawsuit against a property. These lawsuits are governed by Colorado’s statute of limitations, which states that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to bring your case to court.
How a Colorado Springs Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help You
A negligent security lawsuit is a serious legal matter that demands the right training and background for best results. I am a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney with more than 18 years of experience. I will put this experience to fight for your fair compensation. A single-attorney firm like mine means more focus on you. To learn more about how I can help you with your case, call my office today or visit my contact page.