Skilled New Jersey Negligent Security Attorneys

Advocacy for clients assaulted, robbed or injured on someone else’s property

Owners of businesses serving the general public in New Jersey are responsible for ensuring a reasonable level of safety for their customers. Bars, nightclubs, restaurants and residential apartment complexes are particularly liable for injuries if they do not take reasonable steps to protect their customers and visitors from assault or other types of crimes. The liability for sufficient security also extends to the private parking lots and back alleys used by the public to gain access to the business.

If you were injured in a fight or by assault in New Jersey due to negligent security, talk to an experienced premises liability personal injury attorney at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP. Our firm is recognized among the preeminent personal injury litigation firms in the state. Since opening our doors more than 20 years ago, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of people injured because of negligence or misconduct by another person or business entity.

What is negligent security?

Negligent security actions fall under premises liability. What this means is that premises liability law can hold a property owner responsible for any injuries and damages a customer or visitor experiences due to negligence. Property and business owners have a responsibility to the public to maintain a safe environment, free from assaults or attacks. Negligent security can happen at places like:

·         Apartment buildings ·         Concerts and theater venues ·         Cruise ships ·         Hospitals and nursing homes ·         Hotels and motels ·         Nightclubs and bars

·         Office buildings ·         Parking garages and lots ·         Schools and universities ·         Shopping malls and stores ·         Sporting venues

 

If you suffered injuries or assault due to negligent security, you may be eligible for a personal injury action to secure compensation for your losses and damages. In the tragic event a loved one loses their life due to negligent security, their survivors may file a wrongful death action against the liable party or parties. The injury attorneys at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP will consult with you about the circumstances of your accident or assault and find out who is responsible, and seek damages on your behalf.

Common examples of negligent security in NJ

Negligent security can lead to a variety of crimes or assaults, including theft, assault and battery, sexual assault, and homicide. Although different kinds of establishments have different security needs, common failures in security include:

• Broken or unlocked gates and barriers
• Doors without locks or broken locks
• Failure to hire security guards
• Inadequate safety lighting
• Lack of or malfunctioning security alarms
• Lack of or malfunctioning security cameras
• Unqualified or untrained security

Our premises liability lawyers will investigate the details of your case to determine what failure in security led to your injuries. Then, we hold the liable party or parties responsible and accountable for their negligence.

How do you prove a New Jersey negligent security case?

The foundation of a successful negligent security case involves showing that the liable party failed in their duty to provide a safe environment. As mentioned above, this can range from anything from burned-out lights in a stairwell to lack of bouncers at an overcrowded bar. A strong negligent security claim addresses whether or not:

• The danger was predictable. To qualify as negligent security, the danger must have been reasonably known to the liable party. For example, if you were the victim of an assault in a mall parking garage, and there had been previous similar crimes committed in the same location, mall security should have been aware of the issue and acted accordingly.
• There was adequate security. Were the appropriate doors locked? Did the locks work? Were dark areas sufficiently it? Were there enough security guards on duty? Did they perform their jobs properly? Our attorneys will work to have all of these questions answered and whether or not they contributed to your injuries.
• The owner took any action to mitigate the danger. The court will look at whether the property owner or management company took any action to reduce safety risks on their property. However, even hiring security personnel does not shield an owner from liability, especially if they engage in negligent hiring practices.

If you or a loved one suffer serious injury due to negligent security, the New Jersey attorneys at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP can help you build a strong case, as well as seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

What if I am assaulted by security personnel?

In some cases, it is not the lack of security that causes injury, but untrained or aggressive security. Although security guards and bouncers are hired to protect clientele from crime and unruly guests, sometimes the security guards themselves are the problem. Although guards and bouncers are generally authorized to use a certain amount of force, that force must both appropriate and reasonable.

If you were assaulted by private security or bouncers, you may have a premises liability claim against the establishment. Under the law, the owner of the property has a duty to keep their patrons safe.

What types of damages can I recover in a negligent security case?

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you (or your loved one) may end up with a stack of medical bills as a result. These can include everything from an ambulance ride to surgeries to prescription medication. If you suffer temporary or permanent disability from your injuries, you may be facing a lifetime of medical expenses. This means that securing proper compensation for your injuries is crucial.

Our attorneys go through every detail of your case to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. In a New Jersey negligent security claim, you are typically eligible for compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship

In cases of wrongful death, we also seek funeral and burial expenses for your loved one.

Our NJ attorneys understand that a personal injury claim resulting from assault is unlike any other type of personal injury claim. There are issues of personal fear and confidentiality involved. You will find our staff compassionate and responsive to your needs and concerns, and dedicated to helping you recover the full and fair monetary damages your case entitles you to. You will have the opportunity to build a relationship with a single attorney throughout your case.

Experienced NJ premises liability and negligent security attorneys

If you or a loved one suffered injury due to negligent security, we can help. From offices in Edison, Red Bank and Toms River, our lawyers advise and represent clients in personal injury and wrongful death litigation matters throughout New Jersey. Call the New Jersey personal injury law firm of Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP at 732-777-0100 or contact us online to request a free consultation.