Chicago Negligent Security Lawyer
Did you or your loved one suffer injuries in an assault, rape, mugging, or other physical attack that occurred on someone else’s property? Don’t hesitate to contact a Chicago negligent security lawyer at Ankin Law. Â
Property owners in Illinois are required to provide safe premises for those that enter their property. In certain situations, this may include the obligation to provide adequate security. If a property owner failed to implement adequate security measures on his or her premises, and you got hurt, our law firm can help you recover compensation to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you file a negligent security lawsuit and hold the responsible party accountable under the theory of premises liability.Â
Learn about your rights and options in pursuing a claim against negligent property owners or managers who failed to ensure your safety. Contact us for a free consultation.
If you suffered injuries in Chicago, call a negligent security lawyer at Ankin Law to get started with your case. (312) 600-0000.
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Table of Contents
Examples of Negligent Security
Negligent security refers to the failure of property owners or managers to take reasonable precautions to protect visitors, customers, or tenants from foreseeable harm caused by criminal acts or other dangerous situations. Here are some examples of negligent security:
Insufficient Lighting
When a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, hallways, or other common areas, visitors, residents, and employees may face an increased risk of being targeted by criminals.
Broken or Inadequate Locks
If a property has inadequate locks, such as broken or weak mechanisms, visitors and residents are more susceptible to break-ins.
Lack of Surveillance
If a property owner fails to install sufficient security cameras or provide security personnel in high-risk areas, he or she may be liable for putting residents and visitors at risk.
Inadequate Response Protocols
If a property owner does not have procedures in place to address security incidents promptly, it can exacerbate the risks faced by visitors or residents.
Ignoring Previous Incidents
If a property owner has a history of failing to respond to prior security breaches or criminal acts on the property, he or she is negligent in providing a safe environment.
Neglecting to Screen Employees or Tenants
Inadequate background checks on employees or tenants could result in hiring individuals with criminal histories who may pose risks to others on the premises.
In these instances, the property owner’s failure to take reasonable steps to address security concerns may make him or her liable for harm or injuries suffered by residents, visitors, and employees on the property.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
Victims of negligent security can seek damages in a lawsuit against the responsible party. These damages can take two forms: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate the victim for the losses he or she suffered due to the property owner or manager’s negligence. In Illinois negligent security cases, compensatory damages can take the following forms:Â
Medical expenses: Compensatory damages can cover the victim’s medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatments related to his or her injuries. If a victim needs long-term care or rehabilitation, these costs are included in his or her damage award.
Pain and suffering: Damages can be awarded to injured victims for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
Lost wages: Â Victims who are unable to work due to their injuries may be entitled to lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.
Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that they are not intended to compensate the victim for losses, but instead to punish the liable party. Cases where the property owner’s negligence is gross or willful are the only circumstances where punitive damages apply.
The damages awarded in each specific case will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the victim’s injuries. A premises liability attorney experienced in negligent security cases can help accurately determine what damages your case qualifies for.
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Determining Liability in a Chicago Negligent Security Case
To prove liability in a Chicago negligent security case, several key factors must be considered:
- Duty of care: To have a premises liability case, victims must establish that the property owner or operator owed them a duty of care. In Chicago, property owners have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures to provide a safe environment for residents, employees, and lawful visitors.
- Foreseeability of harm: To demonstrate liability, victims must also prove that the property owner should have reasonably foreseen the risk of criminal activity or harm on the property.Â
- Breach of duty: Once duty of care and foreseeability of harm have been established, victims must show that the property owner or manager failed to implement adequate security measures. This could include insufficient lighting, broken locks, lack of surveillance, or inadequate security personnel.
- Causation: The property owner’s negligence must have directly caused the victim’s injuries. If the negligent security measures were a contributing factor to the incident, liability may be established.
- Proximate cause: The harm must have been a foreseeable consequence of the property owner’s negligence. If the harm was an unforeseeable result of the security breach, the property owner or operator may not be liable.Â
Establishing liability in a negligent security case requires sufficient evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. A premises liability attorney familiar with Chicago’s laws and regulations can help victims navigate the legal system, build a strong case, and pursue fair compensation for their losses.
Where Do Most Negligent Security Cases Arise?
A negligent security incident can occur in a variety of places. However, most negligent security cases arise in commercial properties, residential complexes, parking lots, hotels, schools, and public venues.
Negligent Security at Work
Workplace negligent security cases arise when an employer fails to take adequate safety measures to protect employees from foreseeable criminal acts or dangerous conditions. If an employee becomes a victim of violence or suffers harm due to security failures, he or she may pursue a negligent security claim against the employer.Â
Negligent Security in Universities and Colleges
Negligent security claims in colleges and universities arise when institutions fail to implement proper safety measures to protect students, faculty, and visitors from foreseeable harm. If someone is assaulted, robbed, or harmed due to these security lapses, they may bring a negligent security claim against the college or university.Â
Negligent Security at Hotels and Resorts
Hotels and resorts can be held liable when these establishments fail to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of their guests. When harm occurs due to these security failures, guests may pursue negligent security claims against the hotel or resort.Â
Negligent Security at Apartments and Residential Facilities
Negligent security at apartments and residential facilities refers to the failure of property owners or managers to provide a safe living environment for residents. As a consequence, residents may become vulnerable to burglaries, assaults, or other criminal acts.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Lawsuits
What Are Negligent Security Laws in Illinois?
Negligent security laws in Illinois hold property owners or managers accountable for failing to provide adequate security measures. Victims can pursue compensation through negligent security claims when these failures lead to injuries or damages.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Negligent Security Cases in Illinois?
The statute of limitations for negligent security cases in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe may result in the loss of the right to pursue the claim.
When Is a Property Owner Liable for Negligent Security Injuries?
A property owner in Illinois is liable for negligent security when he or she fails to provide reasonable security measures, leading to foreseeable harm caused by criminal acts or dangerous conditions on the premises. To establish liability, it must be proven that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the injuries suffered by the victim.
Helpful Resources from Our Chicago Negligent Security Lawyers
Understanding the Property Owner’s Duty of Care
Property owners in Illinois have a duty of care to maintain a safe environment for visitors, including repairing hazards and promptly addressing dangerous conditions. Visitors are classified as invitees or licensees. The owner owes a higher duty of care to invitees. For trespassers, the owner’s duty of care is limited, except for minors protected by the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine. To win a premises liability case, the plaintiff must prove the duty of care, a breach of the duty of care, injury caused by the breach, and actual damages. Damages in such cases can include economic and non-economic losses like medical costs and pain and suffering.Â
What Is the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine?
The attractive nuisance doctrine in Illinois allows property owners to be held liable for injuries sustained by children who trespass on their property due to an object that appeals to children and poses risks. Property owners may be liable if the object on their property attracts children, leading to injuries. Examples of attractive nuisances include water features, playground equipment, weapons, and construction sites.
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