Negligent Security: Can You Sue a Business After Being the Victim of a Crime?
When you walk into a shopping center, park in a garage, or check into a hotel in Baltimore, you have a reasonable expectation of safety. You assume the property owner has taken basic steps to ensure you aren’t walking into a trap. But what happens when that trust is shattered by a violent crime?
If you’ve been mugged, assaulted, or worse on someone else’s property, the physical and emotional toll is staggering. While the criminal justice system handles the perpetrator, the civil system addresses the environment that allowed the crime to happen. At Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, we believe that businesses that prioritize profits over patron safety should be held accountable.
Here is what you need to know about pursuing a claim with a personal injury lawyer after a traumatic event. Schedule a consultation today.
Understanding Negligent Security
Negligent security is a specific branch of premises liability. It suggests that a business or property owner failed to provide “reasonable” security measures to prevent foreseeable crimes. If a business knows its area is high-risk but does nothing to protect you, it may be legally liable for your injuries.
Foreseeability is the Key
Was the crime preventable? A personal injury law firm in Baltimore looks for evidence of “foreseeability.” If there had been five robberies in the same parking lot in the last month and the owner still hadn’t fixed the lights or hired a guard, the crime against you was predictable. This failure to act is a hallmark of business negligence.
Common Security Failures
Negligence isn’t always about a lack of armed guards. It often looks like:
- Broken locks or unsecured entry points.
- Burned-out lighting in stairwells or alleys.
- Lack of functional security cameras.
- Untrained or completely absent security staff.
- Failure to warn visitors about known local dangers.
Why the Criminal Case Isn’t Enough
The police are focused on putting a criminal behind bars. However, a jail sentence won’t pay your medical bills, cover your lost wages, or fund your therapy. By working with a Baltimore negligent lawyer, you can seek the financial compensation necessary to actually rebuild your life while the criminal case proceeds separately.
Proving Your Case
Proving a security claim is complex. It requires pulling crime statistics, maintenance logs, and surveillance footage before it’s deleted. This isn’t a battle you should fight alone while trying to heal. A skilled legal team knows exactly how to pressure businesses to turn over the evidence needed to prove they cut corners on your safety.
Take Your Next Step Toward Justice
Being a victim of a crime is a life-altering experience, but you don’t have to carry the financial burden of a business’s mistakes. If you were hurt because a property owner failed to protect you, it is time to seek professional guidance.
Call a lawyer immediately if you believe you have a claim. The team at Murphy, Falcon & Murphy is ready to listen to your story and fight for the compensation you deserve.