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A civil lawsuit often involves a claim against the owner of a property. The plaintiff usually contends that security measures in place at the time of the incident were inadequate and as a result, did not protect the plaintiff, who is usually classified as an invitee, or business invitee, from a criminal act and resulting injury or damage. Such litigation often follows a tragedy which may have been preventable, and seeks to hold accountable those parties who negligently failed to prevent it. Only too often this negligence represents an environment of opportunity, and a perfect scene for a crime.
Other similar security issues can be raised in many other environments such as..
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Shopping Centres |
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Malls |
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Colleges & Schools |
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Theme parks |
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Commercial buildings |
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Car parks |
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Hotels |
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Apartment buildings |
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Any other retail outlet |
And while each environment is unique, the security principles are the same, whether representation If for the plaintiff, or defendant.
Are we responsible for security?
In general, the owner of a property is responsible for the security and safety of its visitors. The scope of legal duty and responsibility to protect patrons has grown in recent years with an increased expectation on the part of the public for improved levels of security and safety, and for the accountability of property owners to provide adequate security for hazardous environments, and alter any attitude of indifference.
Following a criminal act, a victim may be able to recover civil damages due to negligence if it can be shown that the defendant had a duty of care to meet to assure a certain level of security to protect customers who were invited onto the property to conduct their business from "unreasonable" risks or warn them in advance of the potential dangers. |
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