You can file a lawsuit against a security guard if you suffered injuries on a property due to negligent security. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and hazard-free. Hiring adequate security is part of their responsibilities, especially if the area is prone to crime.
There are multiple ways someone can suffer injuries due to negligent security. A negligent security lawyer in Forest City can investigate your accident or assault and determine how a security guard failed to keep you safe. They can handle your entire negligent security claim and lawsuit while you rest and recover from your injuries.
Negligent Security Guards Can Directly Cause or Contribute to Injuries
A failure on the part of a security guard can pave the way for a crime or accident. While not every crime can be prevented by adequate security, businesses have a duty to take steps to prevent crime on their property as much as possible.
Security guards usually have to carry a license and possess specific training to qualify for the job. If they lack the credentials required by the state, such as the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) or the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), they may not possess the skills to properly secure the premises. Part of the blame would also lie with the contract security company that employs the security guard. Through vicarious liability, the employer may also share the fault for a victim’s injuries.
Aside from a lack of licensing and training, a security guard can also prove negligent in the following ways:
- Failing to regularly walk the premises while on duty
- Failing to follow up on a reported complaint or concern
- Failing to monitor security camera
- Failing to report broken security equipment
When a security guard drops the ball, they leave patrons and invitees open to violent crimes, such as robberies and physical assaults. These crimes can happen in parking lots, apartment complexes, shopping plazas, and retail stores. Some victims may even just get caught in the crosshairs of criminal activity and suffer injuries.
If a Security Guard Assaults a Person
In some cases, a security guard directly causes physical injury to a guest, invitee, or patron. Even if the security guard assumed the victim was a criminal, they could face repercussions for any injury they caused on the job. Part of their training involves properly analyzing and mitigating a situation, for example.
If a security guard wrongly assaulted you, you can file a lawsuit against the security guard and the company that employed them. This lawsuit could allow you to seek compensation for your injury-related losses.
Other Forms of Negligent Security Can Lead to Injuries
A negligent security guard may not be the only thing that contributed to your injuries. Other forms of negligent security can also make a premises hazardous, such as:
- Poor lighting
- Broken security equipment, such as cameras or gates
- Lack of security equipment
In these cases, you may also have a case against the owner of the property. A negligent security lawyer can identify all the liable parties in your case and pursue each of them for their portion of the fault.
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A Negligent Security Lawyer Can File a Lawsuit Against a Security Guard
While you recover from your injuries, a negligent security lawyer can handle the entire legal process for you. Their service would involve filing your negligent security lawsuit and handling all the necessary paperwork. They can also:
- Handle all communications with the liable parties, their insurer, and their representatives
- Gather evidence of negligence
- Consult your doctors to assess your current and future medical expenses
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you in a trial
Negligent security attorneys can fight for fair compensation so that you can access the treatment you need to make a full recovery.
Compensation You Can Seek Through a Lawsuit Against a Negligent Security Guard
Your injuries may be quite grave and require extensive medical treatment. You deserve fair compensation for your medical expenses, along with other losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income from the time you had to take off work to heal
- Reduced earning capacity if you cannot earn your pre-injury income
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
If you lost a loved one in an assault or accident due to negligent security, a wrongful death attorney can seek justice for your family. They can seek awards for your loved one’s funeral expenses, income, and medical expenses. Nothing can make up for such a loss, but your family deserves justice and compensation that can help them through this tragic time.
You Have a Deadline to Meet When Filing a Lawsuit Against a Security Guard
Keep in mind that you have a deadline to meet when filing a personal injury lawsuit. Each state sets its own statute of limitations. For example, in North Carolina, G.S. § 1-52 generally gives you three years to file. In South Carolina, S.C. Ann § 15-3-530 also usually gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
This amount of time may seem ample, but it can pass quickly when building a case. In addition, there could be circumstances in your case that could shorten or extend that deadline. The sooner you get started on yours, though, the better. You don’t want to risk having the court dismiss your case.
Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for Help Filing a Lawsuit Against a Security Guard
The negligent security lawyers with Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help you seek financial recovery for your injuries. If you suffered due to a crime or accident and a security guard’s negligence caused or contributed to it, we can take legal action on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation.