How to Hold a Business Accountable for Negligent Security in New Jersey

Safety and security are fundamental expectations for individuals when visiting or working at any public or private establishment. In New Jersey, businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain safe premises and provide adequate security measures to protect customers, employees, and visitors. When a business fails to fulfill this duty and someone suffers harm due to negligent security, premises liability becomes a critical factor in holding the business accountable. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of negligent security and premises liability, their implications, and the steps to take in pursuing a claim in New Jersey.

I. Understanding Negligent Security and Premises Liability:

• Inadequate Security: Negligent security refers to the failure of a business to implement reasonable security measures to protect individuals on its premises from foreseeable harm. This harm can result from criminal activities such as assaults, robberies, or other incidents that proper security measures could have prevented. To establish a claim for negligent security, it must be proven that the business knew or should have known about potential risks but failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate them.
• Premises Liability: Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions or negligent maintenance. It encompasses a broader range of hazards, including slip, trip, and fall accidents, inadequate maintenance, and other dangerous conditions.

II. Establishing Liability:

To hold a business accountable for negligent security, several elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care: The injured party must show that the business owed them a duty of care, meaning they had a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for visitors.

2. Breach of Duty: It must be demonstrated that the business failed to meet the standard of care expected of them, such as inadequate lighting, malfunctioning security cameras, or insufficient security personnel.

3. Causation: There must be a direct link between the business’s breach of duty and the injuries sustained by the victim.

4. Foreseeability: The injured party must establish that the business should have reasonably foreseen the risk of harm and taken preventive actions.

III. Potential Liable Parties:

In a negligent security case, multiple parties might be held liable, including:

• Property Owners: The owner of the property where the incident occurred may be liable if they were aware of security issues and failed to address them.
• Business Operators: The business that operates on the premises might be liable if they had control over security measures but neglected to implement reasonable safeguards.
• Security Contractors: If the business outsourced security to a third-party company, they could share liability if the security personnel were insufficient or improperly trained.

IV. Steps to Pursue a Negligent Security Claim:

If you believe you have a negligent security claim, follow these steps to protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful resolution:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and well-being. Get medical attention for your personal injuries promptly.

2. Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of the incident location and any potential security flaws that may have contributed to the incident.

3. Gather Evidence: Collect any available evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, incident reports, and police records.

4. Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep any torn clothing or damaged property as potential evidence.

5. Contact an Attorney: Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in negligent security cases. They can assess your situation, guide you through the legal process, and build a strong case on your behalf.

6. Negotiation and Settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company for a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare to take the case to court.

Key Takeaway:

Maintaining proper security measures and safe premises is crucial for businesses to protect the well-being of their customers, employees, and visitors. When businesses fail to meet these responsibilities and someone suffers harm as a result, negligent security and premises liability come into play. If you or someone you know has been a victim of negligent security or unsafe premises in New Jersey, understanding your rights and seeking legal representation are essential. By following the steps outlined in this guide and enlisting the help of a skilled attorney, you can pursue a fair and just resolution for the harm you have endured due to a business’s negligence. 

Contact Lombardi & Lombardi Today for a Free Consultation About Your Premises Liability Case

When it comes to protecting your rights and seeking justice, you deserve a legal team that stands out from the rest. Lombardi & Lombardi, a trusted law firm based in New Jersey, is committed to providing you with top-notch legal representation and personalized attention.

With decades of experience in various practice areas, our skilled attorneys have built a reputation for excellence in handling a wide range of cases, including personal injury, premises liability, negligent security, and more. Our dedication to client success and our track record of favorable outcomes have earned us the trust and respect of the community we serve.

At Lombardi & Lombardi, we understand that each case is unique, and we approach every client’s situation with the utmost care and diligence. As your legal advocates, we are relentless in our pursuit of justice, tirelessly fighting for your rights both inside and outside the courtroom. We are not afraid to take on complex cases and go up against large corporations or insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let legal challenges overwhelm you. Put your trust in Lombardi & Lombardi, where legal excellence meets unwavering commitment. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future. Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for them.