Negligent Security Lawyer in Charlotte, NC
If you visit a property or business and are injured because of a lack of security, the property owner may be held accountable for your injuries and losses. For example, let’s say you are walking through a grocery store parking lot at night. If a vulnerable situation, like a lack of lighting or security cameras, results in you being robbed or assaulted, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. If you have been harmed and believe the incident could have been prevented, a Charlotte, NC negligent security lawyer from Edwards Injury Law can help.
What Is Considered Negligent Security in North Carolina?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability. These claims are brought against proper owners when someone is injured because of inadequate security measures. Examples of situations include robbery, assault, and wrongful death.
The law acknowledges that no one can predict a criminal attack. However, property owners or operators need to take proper measures to protect patrons and guests if they know there is a history of illegal activity at or near their property.
If you believe you were wrongfully injured due to a property owner’s or operator’s neglect, a negligent security lawyer from Edwards Injury Law is ready to help you evaluate your situation to have the best chance at recovery.
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Claim?
Determining if you have a valid negligent security claim can be challenging, especially when deciding who to hold accountable. While different properties require different levels of security, there are general examples of lax security, including:
- Inadequate lighting
- Untrained security guards
- Broken locks
- Broken fences or gates
- Malfunctioning security cameras
When you meet with your attorney, they will conduct a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of how negligent security contributed to your accident, injured, and related losses.
Where your accident occurred also plays a role in determining if you have grounds for a claim. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, negligent security incidents take place most commonly at the following locations:
- Bars and restaurants
- Night clubs
- Gas stations
- Hotels
- Parking lots and garages
- Apartment buildings
- Shopping centers
- Schools and universities
While the list above mentions some of the most common places for negligent security incidents to occur, it is, by no means, comprehensive. No matter where your accident or incident occurred, Edwards Injury Law is here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need to overcome your challenges.
How Do I Know Who Is Responsible for My Accident?
Once you and your lawyer establish that your incident falls under North Carolina premises liability law, it is time to determine who to hold accountable. Most negligent security claims are filed against a business or property owner or operator. Per state law, property owners have a duty to keep customers and visitors reasonably safe. If they are aware or should be aware of potential criminal activity in the area, they have a legal obligation to implement adequate security measures.
When it comes to proving a property owner is at fault for your losses, your claim needs to be based on the concept of negligence. The four elements to proving negligence include:
- Duty of Care. Property owners have a responsibility to patrons and visitors to ensure the property is as safe as possible, which is referred to as their duty of care.
- Breach of Duty. A breach of duty occurs when a property owner fails to abide by their legal obligation.
- Causation. Causation refers to the act that led to the breach of duty.
- Losses. Economic and non-economic losses negligent security victims face include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Determining the individual elements of negligence can be a challenge, which is why it is beneficial to work with an attorney. Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate your accident, determine what happened and why, and help you value your losses.
How Can a Negligent Security Lawyer Help?
As discussed, negligent security claims are complex. In order to ensure you have the best chance of recovery, it is imperative to work with an attorney who is well-versed in North Carolina premises liability law. Not only will they comprehensively explain your legal rights and options, but they will also ensure you are aware of the value of your claim so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
When it comes to valuing your claim, your attorney will consider all of the losses you’ve endured as a result of the property owner’s negligence. In addition to calculating your financial losses, they will also examine how the accident has impacted your life and what your future could look like. Their investigatory process could involve collecting photographs, video, medical records, and wage statements, as well as speaking with applicable experts to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Your attorney will also ensure that all of your paperwork is filed in a timely fashion. Negligent security claims, like all personal injury claims, are subject to a statute of limitations. This limits the amount of time you have to pursue legal action. In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of your incident to file a claim in court. If you fail to do so, you will render yourself ineligible for any amount of recovery.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help
The sooner you contact a negligent security lawyer from Edwards Injury Law, the more time we will have to build a strong claim on your behalf. As a black-owned and veteran-owned law firm, we are well aware of the struggles our clients deal with after facing an accident. We practice law with our client at the center of the process, so you can rest assured that you will claim will receive proper care. Whether you are looking to learn more about your legal rights and options or you are considering pursuing a claim with our help, schedule a case evaluation today. We are here to help. Contact us today.
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