When Property Owners In Madisonville Ignore Security Risks: Your Rights In A Kentucky Negligent Security Claim
When you visit a business, apartment complex, or public venue in Kentucky, you have the right to feel safe. Property owners must provide reasonable security. When they don’t, violent crimes and other serious incidents can happen.
If you or a loved one was injured due to a lack of security at an apartment complex, business, or other locations, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Madisonville premises liability lawyer helps victims of negligent security understand their legal options and fights to hold irresponsible property owners accountable.
What Is Negligent Security and Where Does It Happen in Kentucky?
Negligent security arises when property owners fail to take reasonable precautions to protect the public from foreseeable harm. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that nearly 60 percent of all violent crimes occur at or near commercial establishments, residential properties, or other privately owned locations.
When property owners know or should know that criminal activity is a risk and do nothing about it, they can be held liable for injuries that result. Negligent security incidents in Kentucky often happen at:
- Apartment complexes and rental properties with broken locks, poor lighting, or no security cameras.
- Parking lots and parking garages without adequate lighting or surveillance.
- Hotels and motels that fail to monitor access points or respond to known safety concerns.
- Bars and nightclubs that do not employ adequate security staff.
- Shopping centers and retail locations in high-crime areas without proper security measures.
- ATM locations and gas stations with poor visibility or no monitoring equipment.
Injuries from negligent security incidents can include gunshot wounds, stab wounds, sexual assault injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious physical and emotional harm.
Your Legal Rights in a Kentucky Negligent Security Claim
Many victims of negligent security do not realize they can pursue compensation from a property owner, not just the person who harmed them.
Under Kentucky premises liability law, property owners must take reasonable precautions to protect against foreseeable risks. When they fail to act, they can be held responsible for harm that results. To protect your rights in a claim, take these steps:
- Report the incident to law enforcement immediately and get a copy of the police report.
- Document the conditions at the scene, including broken locks, poor lighting, or missing cameras.
- Get contact info for any witnesses.
- Get medical care and keep copies of your medical records.
- Avoid giving statements to the property owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Negligent security cases can be complex, and property owners rarely accept responsibility without a fight.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Experienced Madisonville Premises Liability Lawyer
A violent incident on someone else’s property can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. Before you speak with any insurance company or accept any offer, get Whitfield Crosby & Flynn on your side.
Our Madisonville premises liability lawyer helps you hold negligent property owners accountable and fights for the full compensation you deserve. Request a consultation today. We proudly serve clients in Madisonville, Kentucky, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sources:
bjs.ojp.gov/topics/crime/violent-crime
apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=39251
