Negligent security may sound like a vague term, but in reality, it can be a very harmful force. Without proper security in businesses and other types of property, there is space for visitors and residents to become victims of a crime without anyone to protect them.
Defining negligent security
Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute defines negligence as, “a failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.”
Every person has the right to security. Owners of property are responsible to provide adequate security for those that come onto their property. Negligence can include both action and inaction of the party that has the responsibility for security.
There are four things that must be present for negligent security to be proven:
- A legal duty to provide security
- A breach of that duty
- Injury
- Proof that negligent security caused the injury
Examples of negligent security
Adequate security in a nightclub could be cameras and security guards. However, if those cameras are not functioning or the security guards do not act to protect patrons of the business and there is a resulting injury, their security measures may be negligent or inadequate.
In an apartment building, adequate security may include cameras, locks and secure keys or keycards. So, if a tenant moves out a building and the owner does not secure their key or does not change the locks, there could be room for that tenant or someone else who has the key to invade the private space of the apartment and cause harm.
Fighting for the victims of negligent security
Violent crimes can be enabled by negligent security, including injury, assault and even murder. If you or a loved one was the victim of a crime that could have been prevented by proper security measures, you have the opportunity to stand up for your rights and fight for compensation.
You may be able to seek compensation for injuries that you sustain, emotional effects of crime and financial expenses. Fighting against negligent security means that you can draw attention to irresponsibility and potentially protect others.
