The Athens Negligent Security Lawyer

Georgia law imposes a duty on property owners to provide adequate protection for visitors and guests from criminal actions by third parties. The Athens negligent security attorney at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, is ready to help people who have been injured in these circumstances. As an experienced premises liability attorney, he can explore the details of your situation, gather evidence, and develop a strategy suited to your needs and goals.

Call The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC today at (706) 760-9220 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our negligent security lawyer in Athens.

How to Hold a Property Owner Liable for Negligent Security

Whether it is a restaurant, hotel, gym facility, or apartment complex, a property owner must provide reasonable protection from a foreseeable criminal act committed by a third party. This covers a wide variety of crimes, including larceny, robbery, burglary, assault, sexual assault, and homicide.

Imagine you move into a new apartment building. Unbeknownst to you, a series of burglaries has plagued the adjacent property for the past several months. The management is aware of these burglaries but have not enhanced the security at your building to protect the residents. One night, you come back alone from a dinner with friends. You are struck on the head from behind as you enter the courtyard of the complex. When you regain consciousness, you find out that your wallet and credit cards are missing. As you gradually recover from your head trauma, you fear for the safety of your children when they return in the evening from activities after school.

Unfortunately, many property owners and occupiers fail to take the appropriate precautions despite the substantial harm that may result in these situations. Whether or not the property owner complied with the duty to protect against third-party crimes hinges on the plaintiff’s ability to prove that the incident was foreseeable. The plaintiff must prove that the defendant knew or should have known that there was a risk that a criminal act could occur on the property or that the property had a history of criminal activity. When managing their premises, property owners are also expected to consider the level of crime in the surrounding area.

Damages Available in a Negligent Security Claim?

Due to the nature of the incident, a third-party attack not only results in physical pain and financial costs but also may cause emotional and mental trauma. Although no amount of money can truly compensate you for your harm, it can help you cover your expenses and cope with the other economic stresses that may arise. A plaintiff in a negligent security case can potentially seek compensation for a broad range of damages, including medical bills, missed paychecks, loss of future earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.