Security Negligence Lawsuit: What You Need To Know

A security negligence lawsuit, also referred to as a negligent security case, holds property owners responsible for failing to take reasonable steps necessary to protect visitors or tenants from foreseeable harm. Whether it is a violent assault in a poorly lit parking lot or a theft because of a broken security system, negligent property management can result in permanent physical and emotional scarring. Attorneys at Cloward Trial Lawyers understand the severity of these situations and work hard with the victim to attain justice in the form of fair compensation for injuries.

What Is a Security Negligence Lawsuit?

A security negligence lawsuit is a claim against the landowner or operator for breach of duty owed to the visitor to take reasonable care for safety against unreasonable risk of injury or harm. Property owners in Nevada have a duty to make their premises reasonably safe to visitors. This means doing what is reasonable to prevent foreseeable crimes or harm from the absence of security.

Common Examples of Security Negligence in Las Vegas

Unfortunately, too many properties are neglecting safety, causing preventable harm. Some common ways security negligence occurs in Las Vegas include:

• Hotels and Casinos: Poorly monitored parking garages, broken surveillance cameras, or a general lack of security personnel. 
• Apartment complexes: have things like broken gate mechanisms, lack of lighting in stairwells, and/or delayed responses to reported safety hazards.
• Nightclubs and Bars: Failure to control rowdy patrons, lack of crowd control measures, or insufficient security presence.
• Shopping Centers and Malls: Lack of emergency protocols or unmonitored areas, creating opportunities for crimes such as theft or assault.

How to Prove Negligence in a Security Negligence Case

It shall constitute negligence when the property owner has failed to act within his legal duty with respect to providing adequate security. Each of these elements of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages – is a necessary ingredient that must be established in every successful claim.

Establishing a Duty of Care

According to the Nevada State Bar Association, premises liability requires owners to identify risks and take reasonable precautions to minimize those risks. For example, a shopping mall owner should recognize that parking lots are sufficiently lighted and patrolled regularly if the crime rate is considered high. If they fail to uphold this duty, they can also be held liable for injuries caused by criminal activity.

The National School Boards Association further reiterates the legal principle that foreseeability and appropriate safety measures are central to proving negligence. Property owners should take reasonable care to realize the possibility of danger and institute safety measures.

Breach of Duty and Foreseeability

To establish negligence, one has to prove that the landowner breached his duty of care by failing to take steps to address foreseeable hazards. The foreseeability means whether a reasonable man, in the given circumstances, could contemplate the likelihood of damage or injury.

For example, if a nightclub in a high-crime neighborhood fails to employ adequate security personnel, it would be reasonably foreseeable that an violent altercation could occur. This breach of duty is going to be the hallmark of this lawsuit.

Causation and Damages

Finally, the plaintiff has to prove that his or her injuries were the direct result of the carelessness of the property owner; the injuries caused compensable damages, such as all medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and such.

Types of Recoverable Damages in Security Negligence Cases

There are many different types of damages the victim can recover in a negligent security case in Las Vegas. These include:

• Medical Expenses: Expenses incurred for treatment, hospitalization, and therapy.
• Lost Wages: This includes days lost at work on account of injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts can award punitive damages to punish outrageous negligence on the part of property owners.

Why Negligent Security Cases Are Common in Las Vegas

The city is very prone to negligent security incidents because property owners do not take the safety challenges associated with high visitor volumes in regard to overcrowding or potential criminal activity.

Nevada’s premises liability laws further create an affirmative duty on the part of owners to take reasonable steps in mitigating risks. But most establishments put profits above safety, which places guests at risk. In all these instances, victims do need legal representation fully versed in the subtleties of Las Vegas law.

Steps to Take After a Security Negligence Incident

If you’ve been injured due to negligent security, it’s critical to take the following steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention
2. Report the Incident
3. Gather Evidence
4. Consult a Lawyer

Remember, Nevada has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, so it’s essential to act quickly to protect your claim.

Learn more about Cloward Trial Lawyers Top Negligent Security Case: $38 Million Verdict for Negligent Security: A Nevada Milestone

Contact a Negligent Security Lawyer in Las Vegas

At Cloward Trial Lawyers, we advocate for the victim’s rights to negligent security. Call today for a free consultation with our experienced professionals and start seeking the justice you deserve.