Being a victim of a crime is traumatic, especially when you are injured in the process. While some of these acts are so random that they are impossible to foresee, others occur in high-crime areas that lack appropriate safety precautions.

Many times, customers visit a place of business, whether it be a store, a hotel, or a bar or night club, thinking that the owner of the establishment is providing a safe environment.  If a person is paying a business for a product or amusement, it is reasonable to expect some level of safety and security. This is especially true if the owner has advertised an event to attract individuals to the property or business.

When you suffer an injury during the commission of a criminal act, such as a robbery or a shooting, a seasoned premises liability lawyer could help you pursue a civil lawsuit against the owner of the property where the incident occurred. A Lexington negligent security lawyer could help you hold the owner accountable and obtain financial compensation for your injuries.

Where Do Crimes Typically Occur?

For anyone to have a viable negligent security claim, they must sustain injuries during the commission of a crime on the premises of a place of business. Guests, visitors, customers, or residents can all file an inadequate security lawsuit. Businesses that often become the defendant in a case like this include:

  • Apartment buildings
  • Parking garages
  • Grocery Stores
  • Gas Stations
  • Retail shops
  • Live event venues or theaters
  • Bars or restaurants
  • Hotels or Motels
  • Dance clubs or Night Clubs
  • Shopping malls

It is the duty of the property owner or operator to ensure they have provided their customers with a reasonable degree of safety. When they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent crime and keep visitors safe, an experienced lawyer in Lexington could file a lawsuit against them.

Important Safety Measures

While a property owner cannot always prevent criminal acts on their property, they can mitigate the risk by installing the following:

  • Written warning about high-crime areas
  • Fences
  • Security cameras
  • On-site security
  • Door codes
  • Adequate lighting

Implementing these safety measures reduces the likelihood of a visitor suffering a devastating injury because of crime. A knowledgeable attorney in Lexington can review a case and determine whether the property owner took the proper steps to reduce instances of crime.

The Time Limit on a Negligent Security Lawsuit

Although anyone hurt because of faulty security can file a claim against the property owner, the statute of limitations limits the amount the plaintiff has to file suit.

The statute of limitations exists in every state, but the specifics vary across jurisdictions. In Lexington, a plaintiff generally has one year to file a lawsuit in a negligent security case. This is shorter than the period offered in many states.

When the plaintiff fails to adhere to the statute of limitations, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss with prejudice, barring the plaintiff from financial recovery. Without an exception allowing more time to file, the court will likely dismiss the case forever.

Managing the statute of limitations is only one part of a successful negligent security case. Recovering financial compensation requires a comprehensive approach to an injury claim. A hardworking lawyer could build a winning case and help an injured person recover the compensation they need following an injury caused by inadequate security.

Call a Hardworking Negligent Security Attorney in Lexington Today to File a Claim

When you are hurt by someone committing a crime, you could be entitled to compensation. While pursuing a negligent security lawsuit might seem difficult, you have the right to hire an attorney to fight for compensation on your behalf. Call a Lexington negligent security lawyer at Maze Law Offices today for a confidential consultation and let us begin working on your case.

Maze Law Offices N/a (859) 882-9999