If a property owner neglects to provide adequate security, they can compromise the reasonable safety of their premises. This lack of appropriate protection can create an environment where foreseeable criminal activity may take place on the grounds. Please continue reading and contact our experienced Queens Premises Liability Attorneys for guidance and support during these difficult times.
What is Negligent Security?
When it comes to premises liability claims in New York, the specific obligations of a property owner vary significantly depending on the legal status of the visitor, whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, and the reasonableness of their efforts to repair or warn about it. If a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, they can be held liable for their negligence.
Premises liability claims in New York include inadequate security. Property owners must take proper steps to guard lawful visitors against foreseeable crimes. If they fail to provide a reasonably safe space, and a visitor is assaulted or injured, the owner can be sued for negligent security.
Is the Property Owner Still at Fault When a Criminal Third Party is Responsible?
Negligent security claims can seem unusual at first glance. This is because you aren’t suing the individual who physically attacked or injured you. Instead, the claim targets the owner of the property where the incident took place.
Although law enforcement may criminally prosecute the assailant if they are found, the individual often lacks the financial resources to cover the resulting losses. Therefore, a negligent security claim may be the necessary route to recover compensation for the full extent of your damages.
What Evidence Can Support My Case?
For a successful claim, you must compile compelling evidence. This includes property records such as incident reports, surveillance footage, and maintenance records. This type of evidence is crucial for establishing the property owner’s negligence.
Incident reports are important because they detail the immediate aftermath and record a timeline of events. Maintenance records demonstrate whether the owner was diligent in maintaining security or if a lapse in maintenance contributed to the cause of your injuries. Furthermore, documentation of past complaints about similar issues can help show a pattern of known dangerous conditions that the owner failed to address.
A determined Queens premises liability attorney at the Law Offices of George Poulos will demand that this evidence be preserved, as surveillance footage is usually erased quickly. We are ready to investigate the unique circumstances of the incident. Our legal team can look into the area’s criminal history, including police reports and 911 logs, to demonstrate the foreseeability of the risk. Connect with us today to schedule a consultation.