Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyer

T. Madden & Associates, P.C. > Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyer

Photo of Security Cctv CameraNeed an Atlanta negligent security lawyer? You’re likely facing issues due to inadequate security measures on someone’s property. Negligent security is a serious problem that can lead to harmful outcomes for people who become victims of crimes on properties that aren’t properly secured. 

Property owners in Atlanta have a legal duty to ensure reasonable security measures are in place to protect visitors from possible harm. When they don’t, victims may suffer serious injuries and emotional distress because of criminal acts.

If you or a loved one has been affected by negligent security in Atlanta, it’s important to act quickly. At T. Madden & Associates, our experienced negligent security lawyers are here to offer the legal guidance and support you need. We are dedicated to holding property owners accountable for their negligence and helping you get the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today at 706-807-1998 for a free case evaluation to discuss your case and start your journey to justice.

T. Madden & Associates Helps Victims of Negligent Security

At T. Madden & Associates, we take a strategic and aggressive approach to negligent security cases. Our legal team thoroughly investigates your case by:

  • Gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, police reports, and witness statements.
  • Consulting security experts to determine if the property owner failed to meet reasonable security standards.
  • Proving foreseeability, demonstrating that the owner should have taken steps to prevent the incident based on crime trends in the area.
  • Fighting for maximum compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

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T. Madden & Associates, P.C

Understanding Negligent Security in Atlanta

Negligent security occurs when a property owner or business fails to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes on their premises. This can include hotels, apartment complexes, shopping centers, parking garages, bars, and other public spaces. When security measures are lacking, visitors and tenants become vulnerable to assaults, robberies, and other violent crimes.

Property owners must take reasonable care to keep their premises safe for visitors. This includes putting in place adequate security measures like proper lighting, surveillance cameras, and security personnel. If a property owner doesn’t meet these standards, they can be held responsible for any injuries resulting from criminal activities

In Atlanta, with its fast-paced growth, property owners have an even greater responsibility to provide adequate security. This legal duty falls under premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for the safety of their guests and tenants.

Security Measures in Preventing Crime

Having solid security measures is important for protecting properties from likely criminal activities. Effective security measures, like surveillance systems and trained personnel, help deter criminal activities. Proper lighting and visible security cameras can greatly reduce the chance of crimes happening in public spaces.

When property owners don’t implement these measures, they make their properties more vulnerable to attacks and incidents. Ensuring adequate security helps property owners fulfill their legal duty to protect visitors and prevent violent crimes. Implementing reasonable security measures can make a big difference in reducing criminal acts and improving public safety.

Types of Negligent Security Cases We Handle

A dark, empty parking garage.Negligent security cases can happen in various places, and T. Madden & Associates has a lot of experience handling different types of these cases:

  • Inadequate security in apartment complexes
  • Insufficient lighting in parking lots
  • Lack of security personnel in hotels and shopping malls
  • Poorly maintained security cameras in public spaces
  • Inadequate security measures in bars and nightclubs
  • Negligent security in office buildings
  • Insufficient access controls in residential communities

Who Is Liable for a Negligent Security Claim?

In a negligent security claim, figuring out who is responsible involves looking at who should have kept the area safe. Property owners, business owners, security companies, and landlords can all be held responsible if they don’t have enough security measures in place.

According to premises liability laws, property owners must keep their places safe for visitors. This means they need to take reasonable steps to prevent harm, like crimes. If they don’t provide enough security, they might be responsible for any injuries or damages that occur.

  • Business owners also have this duty, especially in places like shopping malls and bars. They need to make sure their businesses have the right security, such as cameras and guards, to stop crimes from happening.
  • Security companies hired to protect a property can be responsible if their guards don’t do their jobs well. If security guards are not doing their job properly or security systems are not working, the security company might be at fault.
  • Landlords, especially those running apartment buildings, must keep their properties safe for tenants. This includes having good lighting, secure doors, and working security systems. If landlords ignore these duties, they can be held responsible for any harm caused by poor security.

In a negligent security claim, proving who is at fault means showing that someone didn’t do their job to keep people safe, which led to the victim’s injuries.

Where do negligent security incidents typically occur?

Negligent security incidents often happen in places where people frequently gather or pass through, making them targets for crime. Common locations include apartment complexes, parking lots, hotels, shopping malls, and bars.

  • Apartment complexes can have security issues due to many residents coming and going, making it hard to keep security tight. 
  • Parking lots, especially those that are dark or lack security cameras, can become spots for crimes like theft and assault because they are often isolated and provide easy escape routes.
  • Hotels and shopping malls draw large crowds, making them attractive to criminals. These places may not always have enough security staff or advanced surveillance to watch for and stop potential threats. 
  • Bars, open late and with patrons who may be less alert after drinking, also face unique security challenges.

These locations are more likely to have security problems because they need to balance being accessible and convenient with keeping people safe. When property owners don’t put in reasonable security measures, they leave their places open to negligent security incidents, putting visitors at risk.

Injuries from Negligent Security Incidents

A security guard holding his hand up, as to say "stop". Negligent security incidents often lead to serious injuries, such as physical assaults and robberies. Common physical injuries include head trauma, fractures, gunshot wounds, and cuts. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and have long-lasting effects on a victim’s health.

In addition to physical harm, victims may also experience serious psychological impacts. Sexual assaults and other violent crimes can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These psychological injuries can be just as damaging as physical ones, affecting a victim’s quality of life and future prospects.

The long-term effects of injuries from negligent security incidents can be life-changing. Pain and emotional distress can greatly impact a victim’s mental health and well-being.

What To Do After a Negligent Security Incident

After experiencing a negligent security incident, victims should first seek medical attention. This ensures that any injuries are promptly treated and documented. 

The next step is to seek legal advice to investigate the incident and gather evidence.

Start the legal process as soon as possible by consulting with experienced negligent security attorneys who can guide victims through their rights and the steps to take. Filing a negligent security lawsuit against a major property owner requires careful consideration and legal advice.

Addressing questions about your rights and how to proceed after suffering losses due to inadequate security is essential. Following these steps helps victims protect their interests and secure the compensation they deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Georgia?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim is a minor or unable to make legal decisions due to mental incapacity, the two-year period might start later. 

It’s important to act quickly in these cases because waiting too long can make it harder to prove your case because evidence can disappear and people’s memories can fade.

Proving a Negligent Security Case

Proving a negligent security case involves demonstrating four key elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. 

Crime victims must establish that the defendant had a duty to provide security to impose civil liability. This duty is based on the obligation of property owners to keep their premises safe for authorized visitors.

The next step is to show that the property owner breached this duty by failing to maintain adequate security measures. This could include insufficient lighting, lack of security guards, or poorly maintained security cameras. Evidence supporting negligent security claims can include witness statements, surveillance footage, and scene documentation.

Causation is established by demonstrating that the lack of security directly led to the incident. This often requires a thorough investigation and may involve expert testimony to address the foreseeability of criminal acts. Factors such as the type of premises and known criminal activity in the area can influence the merits of a negligent security lawsuit.

Finally, victims must prove the damages they incurred due to the incident. This includes both physical injuries and emotional trauma. A negligent security attorney must properly calculate and prove all damages to ensure that victims receive full compensation. The primary challenge in these cases is establishing that the premises had a duty to provide care and that this duty was breached.

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Damages You Can Recover in a Negligent Security Lawsuit

A calculator and a pen along a list of expenses.Victims of negligent security can recover compensation for both tangible and intangible losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Medical expenses cover the costs of treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. These can range from emergency room visits to long-term rehabilitation. 

Additionally, victims may claim lost wages if the incident affects their ability to work. Future earning potential can also be considered if the injuries have long-term impacts.

Emotional distress is another significant aspect of compensation. Victims of assaults and robberies often face anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological impacts. 

At T. Madden & Associates, our strong legal team works to ensure that all aspects of a client’s damages, both physical and emotional, are considered during settlement discussions.

How Much Is My Negligent Security Case Worth?

Figuring out how much your negligent security case is worth depends on several factors. Each situation is different, and the details of the incident will affect the possible settlement or award. Here are some important things that can influence the value of your case:

  1. Injury Severity: The seriousness of the injuries you suffered can greatly affect the compensation. More severe injuries usually mean higher medical costs and longer recovery, which can increase the amount you might receive.
  2. Medical Costs: This includes all current and future expenses for treating your injuries. Keeping thorough records of all medical visits, treatments, and medications is important for calculating these costs.
  3. Lost Income: If your injuries caused you to miss work or affected your ability to earn in the future, these losses are considered. This includes both past lost wages and any decrease in future earning potential.
  4. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional stress you experienced is often included. This reflects how the incident has impacted your life and mental health.
  5. Life Changes: If the incident has led to long-term changes, like a disability, this can increase the compensation amount.
  6. Property Owner’s Responsibility: How much the property owner failed to keep the area safe can affect the case value. If there was clear negligence or repeated security issues, it can lead to higher compensation.
  7. Insurance Limits: The property owner’s insurance coverage and limits can affect the final settlement. Discussions with the insurance company are key in deciding the compensation.
  8. Legal Help: Having knowledgeable lawyers on your side can make a big difference in the outcome. Good legal representation ensures that all your damages are considered.

At T. Madden & Associates, we look at all these factors to give you a clear idea of your case’s value. We aim to get you the maximum compensation possible, reflecting how the negligent security incident has affected your life.

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Contact Us for Help with Your Negligent Security Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured due to negligent security, you deserve justice. At T. Madden & Associates, we are ready to fight for you. Let our experienced Atlanta negligent security lawyers help you navigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact T. Madden & Associates today at 706-807-1998 to discuss your case during a free case evaluation, and let us take on the legal burden while you prioritize your recovery.

Negligent Security FAQ

What is negligent security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that arises when a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate security measures, and someone is injured or victimized by a crime as a result. Common examples include assaults, robberies, or shootings that occur due to poor lighting, broken locks, lack of surveillance, or absent security personnel. Property owners have a legal duty to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. When they fail in that duty, they can be held financially responsible.

How do I know if I have a negligent security claim?

If you were injured due to a criminal act on someone else’s property and there were inadequate or missing security measures, you may have a valid negligent security claim. These cases often involve situations where the crime could have been prevented if the property owner had taken reasonable steps to ensure safety—such as installing cameras, providing lighting, or hiring security personnel. An experienced attorney can investigate the property’s history, evaluate prior incidents, and determine whether the crime was foreseeable.

Who can file a negligent security lawsuit?

Anyone lawfully on the premises who suffers harm as a result of inadequate security may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes tenants, hotel guests, shoppers, employees, delivery workers, or visitors. In the tragic case of a wrongful death, surviving family members—such as a spouse, child, or parent—may be able to file a claim on behalf of their loved one.

How much does it cost to hire a negligent security lawyer?

At T.Madden & Associates, we operate on a contingency fee basis . This means you pay no upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case—either through a settlement or a court verdict. Our goal is to make top-tier legal representation accessible to victims and their families, without adding financial stress.

What sets your firm apart in negligent security cases?

Our firm, led by Attorney Terance Madden, brings over 20 years of experience in handling complex negligent security and premises liability claims in Georgia. We approach every case with compassion, urgency, and determination. We take the time to understand your story, investigate thoroughly, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. When property owners fail to protect you, we step in to hold them accountable.

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T. Madden & Associates, P.C has an answer for all of your legal questions! We are a Personal Injury firm, so we handle many types of injury cases from auto collisions to wrongful death! If you or someone you know is injured, T. Madden & Associates, P.C. can help.

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