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Businesses and privately owned properties have a responsibility to reasonably provide for the safety of those individuals who are present on the property, including the prevention of criminal attacks that are foreseeable on the premises.

In the aftermath of a crime where negligent security is to blame, you’re thrust into a reality where legal counsel is not just beneficial but vital. As you seek a Kansas City negligent security lawyer, understanding your rights and the legal steps essential for pursuing compensation is paramount. Working with Holman Schiavone Law, LLC cuts through the complexity to outline your path forward – from pinpointing how property owner negligence may have failed to protect you, to choosing an advocate equipped to navigate these specific legal waters and fight for the recompense you deserve.

If you have been assaulted, robbed, or violated while on another’s property, you may be able to file premises liability claims against the owners of those properties. At Holman Schiavone, LLC, our personal injury lawyers provide experienced representation for negligent security cases in Missouri and Kansas. Since negligent security claims are often complex and involve thorough investigations, it is crucial to have a law firm with the skill and experience to handle a claim with confidence. We will aggressively pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses resulting from attacks and other accidents. Let us handle the complexities and fight for your rightful compensation – call us today at 816-399-5149 for a free consultation and take the first step toward healing.

Understanding Negligent Security in Kansas City

Negligent security in Kansas City refers to lax security measures by property owners that lead to harm to individuals. It is a grave concern in premises liability cases, arising when property owners fail to take reasonable measures to secure their property. As a result, innocent people may fall victim to:

  • Shootings
  • Theft
  • Sexual assault
  • Stabbings
  • Assaults
  • Batteries

The severity of potential harm, the likelihood of crime, the cost of crime prevention, and the history of crime in the area are all considered in negligent security cases. In essence, foreseeable crimes due to inadequate security can establish property owner liabilities under premises liability law.

Common Locations for Negligent Security Incidents

In the bustling city life, be mindful that places like parking lots, apartment complexes, and commercial establishments are common sites for negligent security incidents. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gas stations, and shopping centers are frequent locations for such incidents, often due to inadequate security measures or a lack of security guards.

Insufficient security measures often make parking garages and lots hotspots for crimes such as robberies, assaults, and sexual assaults. Awareness of these common locations can help you stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Recognizing Inadequate Security Measures

Inadequate security measures can manifest in various ways, such as poor lighting or insufficient security personnel, leading to an environment conducive to criminal activity. Assessing the adequacy of security measures heavily relies on the presence and effectiveness of security personnel, as well as the implementation of proper security measures.

Examples of negligent security such as insufficient or improperly trained security personnel, lack of security cameras, and failure to repair broken physical barriers like gates and locks convey the problems arising from inadequate security systems. Such lapses can lead to a range of incidents, including violent crimes, sexual assaults, armed robberies, and serious personal injuries, which are direct consequences of failing to maintain adequate security standards.

When Are Property Owners Liable for Negligent Security?

Not every possible crime or accident can be foreseen or protected against. However, when reasonable measures could be taken to prevent injuries or harm, and those measures were not taken, property owners may be held liable.

These measures may include:

  • Proper lighting
  • Security guards
  • Alarms
  • Camera and surveillance systems
  • Bouncers
  • Other types of security

When innocent people become victims of crimes like theft, robbery, assault, murder, and other terrible crimes, their entire lives can be devastated. In addition to the physical injuries, there may also be additional emotional trauma.

At Holman Schiavone, LLC, we look at every aspect when pursuing maximum compensation for you. We evaluate your full near- and long-term damages and losses. We investigate swiftly and thoroughly. We collaborate with crime, security, medical, and life-planning professionals to establish the full and fair value of the compensation you deserve while building a strong case that will stand up in court.

Rights and Responsibilities of Property Owners

Understanding your responsibilities is key as a property owner. You are required to maintain your property in a reasonably safe condition to guard against harmful situations. The level of duty of care you owe depends on the visitor’s status, with different expectations for invitees, licensees, or trespassers.

Winning a negligent security case requires evidence demonstrating the following:

  1. The property owner’s duty of care
  2. Breach of that duty
  3. Direct link of the breach to the injury
  4. Actual damages from the incident

Providing safe premises is an essential responsibility of property owners; when a property owner fails to do so, it may be grounds for a negligent security claim.

Legal Obligations for Providing Safe Premises

Property owners in Kansas City are legally required to protect customers or guests from foreseeable threats by implementing reasonable security measures. As a property owner, you owe the highest duty of care to invitees, requiring the repair and inspection of both known and unknown hazards. On the other hand, licensees are only protected from known dangers.

Adherence to specific security requirements such as adequate locks and lighting, as per state and local building codes, and fulfilling security promises made in leases or advertisements is critical. Failure to take proper action against known criminal conduct can open landlords to liability for crimes committed by tenants, and security testimony can support claims of inadequate measures in such cases

Consequences of Failing to Meet Security Standards

Failing to meet security standards can have serious consequences. Property owners may face premises liability lawsuits if they fail to provide adequate security, resulting in large settlements, medical bills, and legal fees. The severity of injuries sustained due to negligent security can significantly influence the claim’s value, with greater injuries often leading to more substantial claims.

Landlords are expected to address or warn about dangerous conditions on their property, and failure to do so can lead to personal injury lawsuits. The settlement amount in a negligent security case may be affected by the concept of comparative fault, which takes into account the victim’s possible contribution to the incident.

Steps to Take After a Negligent Security Incident

If you become a victim of a negligent security incident, taking immediate action is of utmost importance. Seek medical treatment to prevent the worsening of injuries and to provide a third-party account of the injuries for legal purposes. Record details of the incident, such as the time, path taken, perpetrator’s description, what was said, and any witnesses.

Taking pictures or video of the scene, including:

  • lighting
  • signage
  • locks
  • other relevant conditions

Preserve clothing and personal items unaltered as evidence of the attack and the conditions leading to it. Most importantly, avoid providing a recorded statement to insurance companies without the guidance of legal representation to avoid prejudicing your claim.

Reporting the Incident

An immediate report to law enforcement is vital as it facilitates the collection of crucial evidence and helps in formalizing a record of the event. The sooner you contact law enforcement after the incident, the better the chances are that evidence will be collected at the scene.

Ensuring that an official report is filed can involve contacting not only law enforcement but also the owner of the premises. Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible is crucial to ensure a formal record of the event is created.

Seeking Medical Treatment

After a negligent security incident, securing timely medical treatment is essential not only for the victim’s health but also for providing evidence in any legal claims. Medical records play a critical role in legal proceedings as they provide reliable documentation that injuries were sustained due to the security incident.

Even if injuries appear minor, it’s critical to seek medical attention to rule out more serious conditions that may not immediately present symptoms, like head trauma. Timely medical intervention can not only save lives but also bolster your legal claim.

How Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, a Kansas City Negligent Security Lawyer, Can Help

Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, a Kansas City negligent security lawyer, can be your trusted ally in this legal journey. Our law firm can:

  • Represent victims in cases against property owners who fail to provide adequate security
  • Conduct investigations
  • Gather evidence
  • Advocate for victims in court if necessary.

We assist in documenting damages thoroughly using medical information to ensure victims receive proper compensation for injuries sustained due to negligent security.

Building a Strong Case

At Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, we understand the importance of building a robust case. A critical component for building a strong negligent security case includes compelling evidence such as:

  • security footage
  • witness statements
  • police reports
  • professional testimony
  • medical records detailing injuries

To establish a negligent security claim, it is necessary to prove that the property owner’s inadequate security measures directly caused injuries.

If a property owner failed to keep an area safe, our negligent security attorneys will investigate the incident, identify responsible parties, file the claim promptly, and undertake negotiations or court representation to secure rightful compensation.

Damages in a negligent security lawsuit are quantified by considering immediate and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and may include punitive damages. 

Negotiating Settlements and Representing Clients in Court

Our personal injury lawyers strive to negotiate settlements assertively, ensuring compensation aligns with the case’s value, as many negligent security lawsuits are settled outside of court. The average settlement amount for negligent security cases varies and is contingent upon the severity of injuries and the degree of deviation from reasonable security standards by the establishment.

The timeline for settling a negligent security case varies, often spanning several years due to the detailed nature of these cases and the need for professional witness testimony. Should negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, our experienced attorneys are prepared to represent the client in court, presenting evidence and arguing the case to hold the property owner accountable.

Contact Us

Negligent security in Kansas City is a serious issue. It’s crucial to understand your rights as a victim and the responsibilities of property owners in such cases. From recognizing inadequate security measures to taking appropriate steps after a negligent security incident, this knowledge can empower you to seek justice.

Choosing the right lawyer is paramount in your legal journey. With Holman Schiavone Law, LLC, you can be assured of an experienced and dedicated legal team ready to build a strong case, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court. Remember, your safety is not a luxury, and you deserve to be compensated for any harm caused due to negligent security.

If you have been harmed by someone on another person’s property that was caused by negligent security, it is in your interest to speak with one of our attorneys. Please call us at 816-399-5149 or email us to schedule a free initial consultation. We are here to help you navigate this complex legal journey, and we are committed to securing the rightful compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is negligent security?

Negligent security occurs when property owners fail to provide adequate security measures, leading to harm to individuals. This is a significant issue in premises liability cases.

What are the common locations for negligent security incidents?

Negligent security incidents commonly occur in parking lots, apartment complexes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. These are the common locations where such incidents take place.

What are the responsibilities of property owners?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition to prevent harm to others, as part of their duty of care toward visitors and licensees.

What steps should I take after a negligent security incident?

After a negligent security incident, seek medical treatment, document the incident, report it to the authorities and property owner, and avoid giving a recorded statement to insurance companies without legal advice. Take these steps to protect your rights and well-being.

How can Holman Schiavone Law, LLC help me with a negligent security case?

Holman Schiavone Law, LLC can assist you with a negligent security case by representing you in cases against property owners and providing support in documenting damages, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and advocating for you in court if needed.