Negligent Security Attorney In Hattiesburg, MS
If you are facing damages because of inadequate security on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a claim to recover your damages. A Hattiesburg negligent security lawyer can explain your legal options and guide you through the claims process to hold a negligent property owner accountable.
WaideLaw: Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
At WaideLaw, a deep knowledge of Mississippi’s negligent security laws meets a dedication to justice founded on Isaiah 1:17. Attorney Daniel Waide is committed to giving back to his community by advocating for injury victims, supporting youth sports leagues, and supporting public safety by funding a new K-9 unit. He understands how challenging recovering from an injury can be, which is why he works to obtain a full recovery for every accident victim.
Understanding the Responsibilities of a Property Owner
Property owners have a legal responsibility to take reasonable actions to keep their property safe for visitors. Despite this responsibility, many people feel like property owners are not doing enough, with 71% of renters thinking there should be additional security measures. Whether you’re at Turtle Creek Mall, the Civic Center Parking Garage, or your apartment, you expect a certain level of safety and security.
When a property owner fails to address security concerns, they leave visitors at a higher risk of certain crimes, such as assault, battery, or robbery. Houses without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized, highlighting the increased crime risk that a lack of security measures poses. After a negligent security case, victims can be left with physical injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma that can be difficult to recover from.
If you have been a victim of a crime, you should hire a negligent security lawyer to hold the property owner accountable for failing to maintain their property’s safety. By filing a claim, you can also recover compensation for your damages.
What Counts as Negligent Security
Reasonable security measures vary depending on the type of property, but some potential examples of negligent security include:
- Poor lighting: Lighting has a large impact on crime rates, with public housing developments experiencing a 36% crime reduction after adding streetlights. When a property is poorly lit, it can increase a criminal’s ability to target a victim. Poor lighting is especially dangerous in parking lots, common areas, and stairwells.
- Broken locks: Doors and windows should have functioning, secure locks. When a property owner does not install locks or fails to replace broken locks, it increases the risk of unauthorized individuals entering a space and potentially causing harm to others.
- Inadequate or insufficient security personnel: On certain properties, security personnel are necessary to maintain safety. A property owner may violate this duty if there are no security personnel or if the security staff is inadequately trained.
- Defective security cameras: Many properties use security cameras to deter criminal activity or provide evidence of a criminal act. A property owner can be liable for your damages if there are no security cameras or if they do not work properly.
- Defective security alarms: Security alarms, such as those designed to detect unauthorized entry, can be extremely powerful tools to support safety. If there are no security alarms on a property where an alarm system would prevent foreseeable criminal activity, the property owner may be liable.
Why You Should Hire a Negligent Security Lawyer
In Hattiesburg, it is easy to feel powerless after being a victim of criminal activity, especially when a property owner’s negligence left you vulnerable. A lawyer can help you file a claim against the property owner by:
- Gathering evidence from the incident
- Explaining Mississippi’s negligent security laws
- Proving the property owner’s negligence
- Representing you when communicating or negotiating with the property owner
- Negotiating for fair compensation
FAQs
What Types of Accidents or Crimes Can Form the Basis of a Negligent Security Claim in Hattiesburg?
A variety of crimes can be involved in a negligent security case. This can include violent crimes such as assault, battery, or shootings. Sex crimes, like sexual assault or rape, can also warrant filing a negligent security claim. Certain property crimes, like burglary or robbery, can also occur. No matter what crime happened, you should speak with a Hattiesburg negligent security attorney to learn how filing a claim can help you recover.
What Must Be Proven to Hold a Property Owner Liable for Negligent Security?
To hold a property owner liable for negligent security, you will need to prove four things. Duty of care is the first element, which means the property owner was responsible for keeping their property safe. The next element is breach of duty, which is the failure to provide sufficient security measures. Then, you must prove how the lack of security led to the crime. Finally, you must prove what damages you have suffered.
How Can a Hattiesburg Negligent Security Lawyer Help Victims Pursue Compensation?
A lawyer can help victims pursue compensation by gathering evidence of their damages, building a claim that includes a comprehensive list of the damages, and negotiating for fair compensation. Some losses a lawyer can help recover include medical costs, lost wages, damaged or stolen property, and pain and suffering. If you hire a negligent security lawyer, they can pursue fair compensation based on the unique losses that you have faced.
How Are Reasonable Safety Measures for a Property Owner Determined?
Reasonable safety measures a property owner should take are determined by analyzing the foreseeability of a crime. Mississippi’s negligent security laws do not provide a standard level of security for all property owners. Instead, owners must consider potential crimes that may occur, such as a risk of burglary in a high-theft location, and take actions most people would consider reasonable, such as installing a security alarm, improving lighting, and maintaining locks.
Learn How a Hattiesburg Negligent Security Attorney Can Help
Criminal activity is one of the scariest and most stressful experiences you can face, often leaving you with physical injuries, property damage, and lasting psychological damage. By filing a claim against a property owner, you can hold them accountable for the lack of security, recover compensation for your losses, and uphold a high standard for Hattiesburg property owners.
Contact WaideLaw for guidance when filing a claim.
