Property owners and managers in Georgia are expected to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of visitors, and an important part of this duty is making sure that security measures are adequate. Failure to meet these standards could lead to visitors being harassed, injured or the victims of crime. If you are the victim of an assault or property crime, you will likely consider it a matter for the criminal justice system. However, you may also have civil remedies available to you against the owners or managers of the property where the incident occurred.
Inadequate security measures could include failing to ensure that the property is well lit and monitored, and this is particularly true if the premises are located in an area where crime is a persistent problem. Security personnel are another important consideration. Not only should these employees be present in sufficient numbers, but they should also receive adequate training and be subjected to screening and background checks before being hired.
When you visit a store, parking lot or commercial building, you expect to be able to conduct your business in safety. However, this is sometimes prevented by something as simple as a missing light bulb, which can create a dark and unsafe area. Many business owners are operating with fine margins, but this is no reason to jeopardize the safety of visitors.
Being the victim of a crime can be a traumatic experience, and if you are in this situation, you may have suffered emotional as well as physical injuries. An attorney with experience in this area could file a personal injury lawsuit against negligent property owners or managers on your behalf. This type of legal action could seek compensation for your property damage, medical expenses and lost income. If you have been injured because adequate steps were not taken to ensure your safety, please visit our page dealing with negligent premises security.
Source: Isenberg & Hewitt, “Atlanta Negligent Security Attorneys“, August 26, 2014