Can A Business Be Liable For Failing To Prevent A Violent Attack?
Most folks expect businesses to create a relatively safe space for those who shop and work there. No matter whether you’re shopping at the supermarket or checking into a hotel, property owners have the obligation to take care of all dangers that might occur on their premises. Recently, there was a Florida case where a shopper sued a business after sustaining serious injuries due to a violent act committed on the store’s premises.
As reported by the news, an individual who is shopping at an Aldi grocery store filed a lawsuit claiming serious injuries that happened to him/her due to a violent act committed against the plaintiff. Injuries were so severe that the individual sustained permanent damage from the incident that took place in the store.
Understanding negligent security claims
Injured persons who suffer harm as a result of negligent security practices can sue for damages using Florida’s premises liability rules. According to the laws of Florida, if an owner of a property or business does not take proper precautions to prevent lawful visitors from being victimized by crime, then the business can be held liable.
This doesn’t necessarily imply that whenever a crime is committed within a business, the business will become liable. The reason behind this is that the business can only be found liable if it was aware of any risk that existed on its premises or if there were previous criminal activities in the vicinity of the business.
Common examples of negligent security
Claims for negligent security can be made in various locations such as shopping malls, hotels, apartments, bars, parking structures, and convenience stores. Allegations that are usually made in such claims include:
- Substandard lighting in parking lots or pathways
- Damaged or defective gates, locks, and surveillance systems
- Not hiring security guards where crimes have occurred before
- No crowd management in venues or places of business
- No actions after past crimes committed within the location
- No adequate training of employees and staff members
Sometimes, not taking actions to improve safety may lead to an increased probability of violent incidents occurring on premises.
Injuries can be life-altering
Individuals who have been assaulted often go through both physical and psychological trauma. They suffer from various types of injuries, including brain injuries, bone fractures, back injuries, internal injuries, and permanent disability. Victims also suffer from psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Treatment and therapy fees, loss of income, and other medical expenses become financially burdensome for the victims as well as their loved ones. In some cases, the victims need special care and cannot continue working.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Premises Liability Lawyer Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of Jacksonville residents who have been injured on another party’s premises. Call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claims today.
Source:
the-sun.com/news/16138452/aldi-sued-brain-damaged-shopper-sucker-punched-dog-row/
