Negligent security is the legal term for preventable injuries on public-access properties due to crimes like assault and rape. FBI statistics from 2002 showed almost one million preventable crimes, 90% of which were assaults. Property owners are subject to security liability claims when people are victimized, injured or killed on their premises.
Property owners are responsible for protecting visitors from harm according to Ohio State Premises and Security Liability laws. Adequate security such as lighting, security patrols, and secure hardware for outside doors are minimum requirements. Reasonable precaution on the owner’s part is construed as due diligence.
Customers have the right to personal safety while they are on business property. Businesses and property owners have a legal obligation to provide a reasonably safe environment for the people using their property, and most owners comply.
Here are some examples of liability for negligent security in Ohio:
Premises and security liability may allow you to recover the cost of your medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings in cases of injury due to inadequate security systems. Compensation is awarded based on proof that owner knew of dangerous situations on the property and failed to act to remedy them; in addition, you must prove that the owner’s negligence caused your injury.
The law firm of O’Connor Acciani & Levy, LLC, LLP has personal injury attorneys sensitive to cases of assault on business properties. If you suffer an injury and think the business is at fault, call us at 513-241-7111 or email us for a free consultation.