Omaha Negligent Security Attorney

Legal Help for Injuries Caused by Inadequate Security in Omaha

As a society, we expect property owners, from hotel managers to bar administrators, to provide adequate security to keep us safe on their premises. However, when a business fails to provide appropriate security for its particular location and circumstances, we might end up paying the price.

Negligent security may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking about personal injury claims, but it is an important issue. We trust others to look out for our well-being, just as we do our best to look out for those around us.

If you were injured due to negligent security, contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. We've been helping people in Omaha for over 15 years. Jason Bottlinger was named a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers and belongs to the exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our firm also has a perfect A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Give us a call at (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation today.

What Are Common Types of Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a specific form of negligence in which the security — whether provided by a property owner or manager — is partially or wholly responsible for an injury, property damage, or loss. Identifying and addressing potential security risks is a critical duty of property owners and managers.

It's not enough to be aware of potential dangers; proactive measures must be taken to decrease them. This means regular security audits, updating safety protocols, and ensuring all security equipment works adequately. Ignoring known hazards or shrugging off concerns can lead to serious incidents that could have been prevented. When risks are not addressed, it's not just a breach of safety — it's a breach of trust between the property owner and those who visit or reside on the property.

Certain preventative measures are common sense, and a property owner or manager must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable or reasonably predictable crime. For example, we know we live in a world where theft occurs, so it's reasonable to expect a property owner to have locks to protect guests and their personal property. In big hotels with a lot of foot traffic, many people come and go, and some do so with bad intentions. That's why providing security cameras and having well-lit entrances and exits is necessary.

Since negligent security covers acts of violence, such as robbery, rape, and assault, we have to talk about why you would file a claim against a property owner instead of, say, a robber. Unfortunately, robbers and other criminals don't have the financial ability to compensate you for the harm you have suffered. Properties, by contrast, are usually covered by insurance. Also, the property owner has a legal duty to protect customers, patrons, and guests from foreseeable harm.

What Causes Negligent Security?

Inadequate training of security personnel is a major cause of negligent security injuries. Property owners must ensure their security teams are trained to respond to a wide range of scenarios. Security staff are the first line of defense in protecting a property and its occupants. When these individuals lack the necessary skills to handle emergencies effectively, it leaves you and your family vulnerable to violent attacks. Security personnel must be prepared to recognize potential threats and manage aggressive behavior or criminal activity.

Safety becomes compromised when there are not enough security personnel to monitor and protect a property. This shortage can lead to unobserved entry points, delayed response to incidents, and a general lack of oversight. Even with the most advanced technology in place, human presence is often necessary to interpret and react to situations as they unfold.

Examples of negligent security include:

• Lack of Locks: Locks are a simple form of security that can be very beneficial in preventing crimes. Renters in an apartment, students in a dormitory, and businesses in a shopping mall can all expect the property owner to provide sufficient locks to keep out most intruders. It is also important for the property owners to control who has keys to these locks and restrict duplication as much as reasonably possible.
• Lack of Cameras: While cameras are inappropriate in all areas, they are expected in certain public places and businesses. Convenience stores and banks, for example, are expected to have cameras to deter crime as much as possible. A lack of cameras in certain areas makes those locations more likely to have violence or theft.
• Poor Lighting: A lack of lighting can greatly increase the chances of criminal activity. Poor visibility makes an area particularly attractive to muggers or people intent on committing violent crimes. Proper lighting can dissuade someone from committing a crime, and it also helps prevent slips, trips, and falls that can cause serious injury to a person.
• Lack of Trained Personnel: Some locations and businesses should have security guards on duty to protect customers, residents, and others. Shopping malls often have security personnel who are expected to keep shoppers and employees safe, especially in large parking lots. If the personnel is not present, or is improperly trained, the property owner may be liable for foreseeable crimes that occur.

Steps to Take If You've Been a Victim of Negligent Security in Omaha

If you've been a victim of injuries caused by negligent security, taking immediate and calculated steps is vital. The first thing you'll want to do is seek medical attention. Report your symptoms to your doctor and follow all treatment advice.

Documenting details of the incident will make it easier for your negligent security attorney to file a successful claim. This includes the date, time, location, and any witnesses. You'll also want to take photographs of the scene, if possible, and keep records of related expenses. Also, remember to report the incident to the property owner or manager.

The next step is contacting an experienced negligent security attorney like Jason Bottlinger. There are filing deadlines, and you'll want your attorney to investigate the event as soon as possible, so the sooner you call your lawyer, the better.

What Are the Costs of Negligent Security?

In environments where security is inadequate, the risks of theft, assault, and other crimes increase significantly. When security is lacking, it can signal to potential criminals that the property is an easy target. Property owners have a duty to assess and meet the staffing needs required to maintain a secure environment.

When an owner is negligent in providing security, the harm and losses suffered by victims can be substantial, depending on the type of violence or theft they have suffered. These harms and losses include:

• Lost or damaged property
• Medical bills, including therapy bills
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Lost future wages due to physical or emotional impairments
• Emotional and psychological stress and suffering
• Changes in lifestyle and relationships

How an Experienced Omaha Injury Lawyer Can Help

Bottlinger Law L.L.C. will investigate the security breach and file a claim or lawsuit to help you get compensation to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses. We'll look for clear red flags that were overlooked by the property owner, such as:

• Ignoring community crime trends
• Failing to perform background checks on employees
• Poorly maintained or malfunctioning alarm systems
• Failing to address previous security incidents promptly

Speak to an Omaha Negligent Security Attorney

You may feel helpless after you've been hurt or had your property damaged due to negligent security in Omaha. But you can take action. When a property owner or manager could have done more to keep you safe but didn't, they may be held liable. Contact an Omaha premises liability lawyer. We will sit down with you in a free consultation to discuss what happened and review what options are available to you.

Call Bottlinger Law L.L.C. to learn more today by dialing (402) 505-8234.

Additional Information

• How To Know Whether You Have a Negligent Security Claim