Los Angeles Negligent Security Attorneys

Property owners in Los Angeles have a duty to provide security measures on their premises to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable threats. Some examples include properties such as apartments, hotels, nightclubs, bars, and retail businesses. A negligent security claim may be filed if the landowner could have anticipated the harm, but did not take reasonable steps to prevent it.

An experienced Los Angeles negligent security lawyer can help you assess the validity of your claim and then determine the best course of action to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a subset of premises liability and is considered a personal injury claim. A property owner’s duty is outlined in California Civil Code § 1714. According to this statute, property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their patrons or tenants through reasonable care and maintenance, such as adequate security tailored to potential threats the property owner knew or should have known about. 

Who Is Liable for Negligent Security

Claims of negligent security are typically filed against property owners, but in some cases the responsibility to care for or manage the property may be shared with another party. This is true in instances where another entity, such as a property manager or commercial tenant, has a contractual obligation to handle certain aspects of the property maintenance or security. Depending on the circumstances of your case, these are some potentially liable parties:

• The property owner, 
• A contracted security company, 
• The state or municipal government, 
• A property management company, 
• An individual security guard, 
• A landscaping company, 
• A school district, and 
• A parking lot management company

In some cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for ensuring the premises are safe. Bringing your case against the correct party or parties is a crucial component of your claim and can have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages as well as the amount you may be eligible to receive. Every case is different, so reach out to a Los Angeles negligent security lawyer as soon as possible  to help you identify the liable parties in your case. 

Examples of Negligent Security Claims

Not all properties will have the same type of security requirements. The following are some general situations that may result in a claim for negligent security. They are not actual cases, but examples of things that could happen. You should consider your own circumstances and speak with a qualified attorney if you have any doubt about the validity of your claim.

• The lock on the door to the entryway of an apartment building is not functional. Several tenants have reported the issue as a safety concern, but the property owner has made no effort to repair or replace the lock. Thus, the building is left unsecured and a tenant is attacked by someone who easily accessed the apartment complex. 
• There is a threat of gun violence at a public school. The administrators and security officers fail to address the concern and the security officer takes a break in the middle of the day. During that time, two children are shot and injured. 
• A doorman at a secured apartment building permits a trespasser into the building without following the proper procedures for ensuring the person is a guest. The trespasser is a former significant other of a tenant and is able to access the tenant’s unit to commit an act of domestic violence. 
• A bar frequently brings in live music acts that attract large crowds. Fights have been known to break out, instigated by the cramped space. Despite repeated fights, the owner does not employ security guards. During a fight, a customer sustains a major injury.  
• The doors to a college dorm require a badge to access, but the doors are routinely propped open for long periods. Someone who is not a student is therefore able to enter the building and sexually assault one of the residents. 
• A hotel with repeated instances of assault, theft, and drug trafficking installs security cameras to monitor public areas, but fails to maintain them or routinely review footage. The cameras are inoperable and a guest is attacked and robbed in an elevator. 
• A parking garage owned by a retail establishment is poorly lit. There have been several cases of theft, vandalism, and muggings because attackers are able to easily hide. One night a man is violently attacked by an unknown assailant.  

The property owner in all of these cases had a reason to anticipate harm yet failed to address the dangerous condition by providing adequate security measures. This failure led to the patron’s (or tenant’s) harm. A Los Angeles negligent security attorney can help you determine what degree of security should have been provided and whether the property owner can be held liable for what happened to you. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Negligent Security Claim?

The California statute of limitations for personal injury provides two years to file a lawsuit from the date the injury occurred. However, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible so you can make an informed decision  and can take the necessary steps to ensure you have all the evidence you may need. 

Contact a Los Angeles Negligent Security Lawyer

At Boucher, LLP, we understand our role as advocates for our client’s well-being. With decades of combined legal experience in personal injury cases, including those related to negligent security law, we understand the nuances of the California legal system. Our goal is to provide compassionate, effective legal representation and to help you recover you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule your case consultation.