“Poor security” within the context of premises liability refers to inadequate measures taken by the property owner to ensure the safety of visitors from foreseeable crimes or harmful acts.
But what acts fall under poor security?
Forms of poor security
Here are some scenarios that might fall under the category of poor security:
- Inadequate lighting: If a property, such as a parking lot or building entrance, does not have proper lighting, it can create an environment where criminal activity is more likely to occur.
- Lack of security cameras: The absence of surveillance equipment in places where security risks are foreseeable could a form of failure to deter criminal activities or monitor secure areas.
- Insufficient security personnel: In some contexts, such as at a large event or in a high-crime area, the lack of security guards or personnel could be considered inadequate security.
- Faulty locks or security systems: Broken or inadequate locks on doors and windows, or a failure to maintain security alarms, can also fall under poor security.
- Failure to respond to known risks: If a property owner is aware of security threats or previous incidents and fails to apply measures to address them, this could also be a failure to provide adequate security.
Each case will depend on the specific circumstances, including the nature of the property and what security measures are reasonable to expect. Property owners must take reasonable steps to secure their premises against foreseeable criminal acts to prevent harm to visitors or tenants.
Injured due to poor security?
Victims injured due to inadequate security on someone else’s property may have the right to seek compensation through a premises liability claim. In these cases, it is crucial to assess the situation and determine if there is a viable claim to potentially recover damages for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.