Premises liability rules make businesses and property owners responsible for the safety of visitors. In scenarios where people or companies fail to properly maintain safe facilities, people can end up hurt. Premises liability rules are why people sue after slip-and-fall incidents.
Premises liability rules also let people take action when they become victims of preventable crimes in some cases. Provided that a property owner or business fails to take reasonable and appropriate steps to protect visitors, there can be a degree of liability for crimes that occur.
In a negligent security scenario, a property owner or business fails to do what reasonable people recognize is necessary to prevent or at least limit criminal activity. The following are some examples of common negligent security practices.
Leaving high-traffic spaces dark all night
Exterior spaces around businesses and apartment buildings often see a lot of foot traffic. Parking lots, alleys and outdoor seating spaces are all examples of spaces that may require lighting once the sun sets. Landlords and businesses do not have to pay to keep outdoor spaces illuminated all night, every night. However, they may need to install motion-activated security lights at the very least. Opportunistic thieves and other criminals are statistically less likely to target locations where there are bright lights.
Allowing unfettered access to facilities
Many apartment buildings have secure outer doors and gates in addition to individual door locks for each unit. The idea is to limit who gains access to the building, as criminals might enter and then check doors individually to burglarize units. Limiting public access to living spaces and even business facilities can reduce the likelihood of major crimes occurring. Especially after dark, excluding non-residents or non-employees from the premises is a reasonable step that can prevent some criminal activity.
Foregoing professional security services
Criminals often target locations where they expect to get away with their behavior. The presence of security professionals or cameras can make people think twice about inappropriate conduct. Some types of businesses, like bars and nightclubs, may need the physical presence of security professionals to keep patrons and workers safe. Retail establishments and office buildings may benefit from the installation of security cameras in exterior and interior spaces.
Security systems and professionals help deter criminal activity. They also help those affected by crimes prove what happened, identify the party responsible and hold that person accountable. In scenarios where simple safety measures may have prevented criminal activity, injured people may have reason to pursue a premises liability claim. Evaluating whether inadequate security contributed to criminal activity can help people determine whether they want to try and hold property owners accountable for creating an unsafe situation.
