Philadelphia Premises Liability Attorneys Protect Victims’ Rights
According to Pennsylvania law, the owners and occupiers of any business must take steps to minimize the risk of injury to customers and guests. This duty extends to preventing foreseeable criminal attacks or activity. For example, if a business owner knows or should know that they are located in a high-risk crime area, then he or she may be obligated to hire security guards or install security measures to discourage crimes like theft and assault. If a business owner fails to provide adequate security and you are harmed by a criminal act, then you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim against the business.
If you have been seriously injured due to poor security, then contact our Philadelphia premises liability attorneys today. We can investigate the area where the assault or other crime occurred to determine what security measures may have been missing. At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., our attorneys handle complex injury claims, including those related to negligent security. We have the experience and resources necessary to represent claims against large, powerful businesses and corporations. We can fight to ensure that you recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact us for a free consultation today.
What Are Reasonable Security Measures?
According to state law, business owners must maintain adequate security measures to prevent reasonably foreseeable crimes on their properties. However, “adequate security” may mean different things to different businesses, depending on the circumstances.
Some common security measures which different businesses may require include:
- Locks. Electronic or traditional locks are essential for businesses like hotels to prevent theft and assaults.
- Fences and gates. A business may need to install fences and locked gates to protect visitors and guests.
- Sufficient lighting. Bright lights are essential in areas like parking lots to discourage crimes like assault – including sexual assault – and theft, as well as to prevent slip and fall accidents.
- Alarms. If a business has a history of break-ins or other crimes, then alarms may be necessary to protect patrons and guests.
- Restricted access areas. Often, offices and other workplaces have identification cards that restrict access to the building to just employees. Government buildings, tourist spots and places like amusement parks require guests to go through security checks to prevent people from carrying weapons onto the premises.
- Security cameras. Most businesses must have security cameras to discourage crime. The circumstances determine whether these cameras must be monitored at all times.
- Properly trained staff. Businesses should train staff on what to do if a crime happens, to minimize the damage and prevent injuries. Improper training may qualify as inadequate security.
- Security guards. Some businesses must have specially trained security personnel to protect guests. Event venues, casinos, large stores, and hotels are just some examples of establishments that may require security guards.
When Can I File an Injury Claim for Negligent Security?
It is a business owner’s responsibility to determine what level of security is necessary for his or her establishmentand to implement proper measures. However, many owners may try to cut costs by having a lower level of security. In other cases, a business owner may neglect to check the security measures that are in place; for example, a security camera should be checked regularly to ensure it remains in working order. Regardless, if a business owner failed to provide adequate security and you were injured as a result, then you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Some common and preventable crimes that may cause injuries due to negligent security include:
- Assault – Poor security measures may fail to prevent physical violence like an assault. Common assault injuries include broken bones, disfiguring lacerations, and catastrophic spine and brain injuries. Businesses in high-crime areas must warn guests of the potential dangers and install security measures to prevent assaults.
- Sexual assault -If you were sexually assaulted on a business’s premises, then you may be able to hold the business accountable. You can recover compensation for your losses and may be able to prevent similar crimes in the future.
- Theft – You may be able to hold a business accountable for your financial losses after a theft. Additionally, if you were injured during a break-in or robbery at a hotel or any business, then the company may be liable for these damages as well.
- Gun-related crimes – Injuries from gun-related crimes and shootings, including mass shootings, are usually catastrophic and life-changing. If a business failed to prevent these acts, then you may be able to hold that business accountable for your losses.
- Homicide – If you lost a loved one as a result of a crime, then you may have grounds for a civil claim against the premises owner, depending on the details.
Negligent Security Cause Your Injury? Contact Our Premises Liability Law Firm
If you were hurt as a result of a preventable crime at a business in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, then our attorneys may be able to help. We can investigate the establishment and the history of the surrounding area. If inadequate security is to blame, then we can assist you in filing a claim against the negligent business owner. We have experience with complex injury claims related to issues like crimes.
For over three decades, the attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., have protected injury victims in negotiations and in the courtroom. Above all else, we fight so you can recover what you need to overcome the hardships caused by your injury. Contact us online or by telephone at (215) 546-6636 to schedule a free consultation. We have offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
