Nashville Negligent Security Lawyers
Crime can happen anywhere at any time. But when it happens on private property, who is liable? Is it the property owner or manager? Is it the security company? Or is it the perpetrator?
Most people consider only the perpetrator to be liable when crimes occur on private property. However, there are instances where the property owner or manager may be held responsible for negligent security measures.
This scenario is especially true if the victim can prove that the owner or manager could have prevented the crime if they had implemented adequate security measures from the beginning.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a criminal attack on private property, it’s essential to seek legal counsel to determine whether you have a case against the property owner or manager.
An experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer can review the facts of your case and advise you of your legal options.
Table Of Contents
- What is inadequate security law?
- Examples of Inadequate Security
- Locations Often Named in Nashville Inadequate Security Claims
- Crimes and Personal Injuries Claimed in Inadequate Security Lawsuits
- What should I do if I’ve been the victim of a crime on private property?
- What Your Inadequate Security Lawyer Will Do
- What You Need for a Successful Inadequate Security Case
- If You’ve Been the Victim of a Crime on Private Property, Contact Us Today
What is inadequate security law?
Inadequate security law is a type of premises liability law that holds property owners and managers responsible when they fail to provide reasonable security measures and indirectly bring about injuries to tenants, guests or passersby.
To win an inadequate security claim, your lawyer must prove that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the risks on the property and failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate them.
For example, if there have been criminal acts, such as multiple assaults, in the parking garage of an apartment complex and the management company has done nothing to increase security, it hasn’t attempted to mitigate the risk. In that case, the company may be liable if you are attacked and injured in that parking lot.
Proving that the property owner or manager knew about the risks can be tricky, which is why having an experienced lawyer on your side is critical to your case.
Examples of Inadequate Security
There are many types of inadequate security. Some common examples include:
- Insufficient lighting in parking lots, stairwells or other areas where criminals could hide
- Lack of security cameras or other surveillance measures
- Shortage of security guards or patrol services
- Broken locks or windows
- Doors propped open or left unlocked
If you’ve been the victim of a crime on private property and you believe that inadequate security was to blame, contact an experienced Nashville inadequate security lawyer today.
Locations Often Named in Nashville Inadequate Security Claims
While any property can be the site of criminal activity, some properties are prone to targeting by criminals.
As a result, these properties are also more likely to be the subjects of inadequate security claims. Some common examples include:
- Parking garages and parking lots
- Public transportation hubs
- Apartment complexes
- Office buildings
- Grocery stores
- Hotels and motels
- Bars and nightclubs
Crimes and Personal Injuries Claimed in Inadequate Security Lawsuits
Some common crimes cited in inadequate security claims for personal injuries include:
- Physical assault
- Robbery
- Rape
- Burglary
- Carjacking
- Mugging
When you’re the victim of a violent crime, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. In some cases, the emotional trauma of the event can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries.
You may also want to consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you process the crime and heal in its aftermath. Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through such a difficult time.
What should I do if I’ve been the victim of a crime on private property?
Understandably, if you’ve been the victim of a crime, your priority is to get to a safe place and get medical attention. Once you’re out of immediate danger, there are a few things you should do:
- Report the crime to the police.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Take pictures of any injuries you suffered.
- Save any evidence, such as torn clothing.
- Contact an experienced Nashville inadequate security lawyer to discuss your claim.
You have one year from the date of injury—or two years from the date of injury if “criminal charges are brought against any person alleged to have caused or contributed to the injury”—to file an inadequate security claim in Tennessee, so it’s important to act quickly.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and make sure your rights are protected.
What Your Inadequate Security Lawyer Will Do
Navigating the legal process after being the victim of a crime can be complicated and overwhelming. An experienced Nashville inadequate security lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the facts of your case
- Collecting evidence to support your claim, including witness testimony, police reports and surveillance footage
- Analyzing applicable laws and court precedents
- Building a solid legal argument on your behalf
- Negotiating with the property owner’s insurance company
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
You may not want to relive the crime by talking about it with your lawyer. However, it’s essential that you’re honest and open with your lawyer so he or she can build the most robust case possible on your behalf.
You should also know that your conversations with your lawyer are protected by attorney-client privilege, which means that anything you tell your lawyer is confidential.
What You Need for a Successful Inadequate Security Case
A qualified Nashville negligent security lawyer can review your case and help you understand your legal options. You may be entitled to significant compensation, and an experienced lawyer will fight to get you the full amount you deserve.
To successfully bring an inadequate security claim, you will need to prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the risks of crime on their property and failed to take reasonable steps to protect against those risks.
In some cases, this may involve showing a history of crime on the property. In other cases, it may include proving that the property owner failed to take basic security precautions, such as installing adequate lighting or hiring security guards.
Each case is different, and a skilled legal team will know what evidence you’ll need to prove your claim.
The attorney-client relationship is one of the most critical aspects of your case. You should feel comfortable communicating openly and honestly with your lawyer, and you should feel confident that he or she is fully committed to protecting your rights.
If You’ve Been the Victim of a Crime on Private Property, Contact Us Today
While no amount of money can undo the harm you’ve suffered, filing an inadequate security claim may help you get the closure and justice you deserve.
During this challenging time, you shouldn’t have to worry about lost wages or how you will pay your medical bills and support yourself and your family.
Whether you were injured at an apartment complex, a shopping center or any other private property, the experienced inadequate security lawyers from our Nashville office can help.
We understand the physical and emotional toll these crimes take on their victims, and we will fight to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Contact our attorneys at NST Law today for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options. If you decide to move forward with a claim, we’ll do everything to get you the compensation you deserve.
2323 21st Avenue South
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-235-0766
Fax: 615-257-6797