When someone owns a property, they have a duty to the public to maintain it in a safe manner. Unfortunately, some property owners are lax in their maintenance, which can lead to serious issues for visitors to the properties, as well as tenants if it is a rental property. Security issues on a property can directly contribute to crime, which can thus increase a property owner’s premises liability.
Understanding the legal obligations of property owners and the rights of visitors can help you make informed decisions if you wind up injured or victimized by a crime on someone else’s property. Chances are good that if inadequate security measures were in place, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the property owner.
Security is critical to any real estate holding
Whether someone lives in a property that they own or rent it out to other people, they have an obligation to ensure that the premises is secure and safe. If parts of their property are accessible to the public, the owner should take great care to ensure that there are adequate security measures in place.
These can include security lighting, which can be motion activated, as well as security cameras. These investments deter crime. They also assist in catching and prosecuting criminals who commit crimes on private property. Walking through a dark parking lot or alley can be particularly dangerous, which is one reason why adequate outdoor lighting is a critical security measure.
Anyone who winds up victimized on a private property because of a lack of lighting or other security oversight likely can claim negligence on the part of the owner. They can hold the owner accountable for injuries and losses they suffer.
Negligence is key to proving a security-related case
Victims of crimes have rights, including the right to seek compensation. In order to receive compensation for an injury or crime you experience on a Connecticut property, you must have a legal right to claim. Typically, this involves negligence or a wrongful act on the part of an owner. Failing to adequately invest in security is obviously an oversight that is also negligence, leading to premises liability.
Owners incur premises liability for any injuries suffered by visitor or tenants due to a failure to properly maintain the property. This can provide grounds for a premises liability claim, which can either go through insurance held by the property owner or the civil courts.
Insurance won’t always compensate the victims of crimes. If you can demonstrate to the courts that the lack of security directly contributed to your victimization, you may be able to recover compensation for property damages or injuries that you suffered as a result of the crime you experience.
