Understanding Negligent Security in Ohio

If you are reading this, it is likely because you or someone you care about has been injured due to negligent security. At Ryan Injury Attorneys, we understand that this is a difficult time for you. The feelings of confusion and worry are natural when dealing with an injury that occurred due to the carelessness of others. You might be wondering if you have a case and what steps you need to take to get justice. We are here to guide you through the process and offer the support you need.

Negligent security claims arise when an individual is injured due to inadequate security measures in places where people are supposed to feel safe. Whether the incident occurred in a parking lot, at an apartment complex, or in a shopping center, the owner or operator of the property has a responsibility to provide a reasonable level of security. If they fail in this duty, it may be grounds for a negligent security claim.

What is Negligent Security

Negligent security refers to situations where a property owner or operator does not take the proper steps to protect visitors or tenants from foreseeable dangers. This can happen when there are no security guards, poorly lit areas, broken fences, or malfunctioning surveillance cameras. In some cases, even the failure to properly screen employees or tenants can lead to an unsafe environment. Property owners and managers are required by law to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail in this duty and someone gets hurt, it can lead to a negligent security claim.

For instance, imagine that a person is assaulted in a parking lot of a shopping mall. If the parking lot had no lighting, broken security cameras, or insufficient staff to deter criminal activity, the mall could be held responsible for not maintaining an adequate level of security. Similarly, if an apartment complex does not have secure gates, proper locks on doors, or enough security patrols, it could be considered negligent.

Proving a Negligent Security Claim

To win a negligent security case in Ohio courts, there are several important factors that need to be proven. The most important ones are that the property owner had a duty of care, failed in that duty, and that this failure directly caused the injury. Let’s look at these elements in more detail.

Duty of Care

The first step in any negligent security claim is proving that the property owner had a duty to protect you. Property owners are required by law to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for those who use them. Whether you are a tenant, a visitor, or even a customer, you are owed a duty of care. The property owner must take reasonable steps to provide a safe environment.

This duty will be different depending on the type of property. For example, business owners must take additional precautions to protect customers. In contrast, landlords are expected to provide safe living conditions for their tenants. This could include proper lighting, secure gates, surveillance cameras, and appropriate security staffing. If the property owner failed to provide these reasonable measures, they may be found negligent.

Breach of Duty

Once a duty of care is established, it must be shown that the property owner or operator breached that duty. A breach of duty occurs when the property owner does not take the appropriate steps to protect people from harm. This can be evidenced by several factors such as poor maintenance of security measures or a failure to respond to known threats.

For example, if a property owner is aware of recent criminal activity in the area but fails to install adequate lighting or hire security guards, they could be found to have breached their duty of care. Similarly, if there have been prior incidents of theft or assault on the property, and no steps were taken to increase security, that would further support a breach of duty claim.

In Ohio, the court will look at whether the property owner acted reasonably under the circumstances. If the owner did not take steps that any reasonable person would have in a similar situation, the breach of duty is evident.

Causation

Causation is another essential element in proving a negligent security claim. You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injury. This means you must show that had the property owner maintained proper security measures, the injury could have been avoided. It is not enough to simply show that the security was inadequate; it must be shown that the lack of security was a direct cause of the harm you experienced.

For instance, if you were assaulted in a poorly lit parking lot, you would need to prove that the lack of lighting directly contributed to the incident. You may need to provide evidence that the assailant was able to approach you because of the darkness and lack of security measures in place. Additionally, any history of crime in the area can help establish that the property owner should have known that the danger existed and should have taken steps to prevent it.

Damages

Finally, you must prove that you suffered damages as a result of the injury. This means you need to show that the injury caused by the lack of security led to medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other financial losses. The more evidence you can gather to show how the injury has affected your life, the stronger your case will be.

Medical records, witness statements, and financial records will be important in demonstrating the extent of your damages. A clear connection between your injury and the lack of security will also make it easier to prove the case.

Proving a negligent security claim in Ohio courts can be complex, but with the right support, you can achieve a successful outcome. We know how overwhelming this situation can be, but we are here to help guide you through every step of the process. From gathering evidence to presenting your case in court, our team is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.

 

At Ryan Injury Attorneys, we have the experience and dedication needed to fight for your rights. If you have been injured due to negligent security, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek justice. Don’t face this challenge alone; reach out to us today to get the help you need. We are ready to listen to your story and help you take the next steps toward a successful resolution of your case.