Negligent Security Lawyers Serving Clients in Las Vegas, All of Nevada, and Nationwide
A negligent security lawyer at Burg Simpson can help you recover compensation for injuries and damages sustained due to inadequate security on premises owned and operated by someone else. These cases involve unique challenges, which makes it essential to consult a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.
Burg Simpson has extensive experience with injury claims involving negligent security and other premises liability matters. As Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®, our goal is to hold property owners accountable and obtain the optimal outcome in your case.
For a FREE and confidential case review, call Burg Simpson at 702-668-2070 today. Our negligent security lawyers serve clients in Las Vegas, other areas of Nevada, and throughout the United States.
What Is Negligent Security?
Premises liability law generally requires that the owner or party in control of a property take reasonable steps to protect lawful visitors from foreseeable harm. This includes the use of security measures to prevent physical and sexual assault, theft, etc. Failure to provide adequate security is considered negligent security.
What constitutes “adequate” security depends on the type of property and other circumstances. A private home, for example, would be expected to have less security than a commercial business.
General examples of negligent security include:
- Poor lighting of walkways, parking lots, etc.
- Inadequate locks and deadbolts for exterior and/or interior doors
- Failure to erect fences and gates
- Negligent maintenance of safety and security measures on the premises
- Failure to restrain guard dogs or warn visitors of dogs on the property
- Inadequate warning signs—signage alone may deter criminals in some instances
- Failure to install security cameras and alarm systems
- Negligent hiring, training, and staffing of security personnel
If you or someone you love was harmed on another’s premises, it is important to determine what role the property owner’s negligence may have played. An experienced negligent security lawyer can investigate and determine what rights you have.
What Are the Effects of Negligent Security?
Crimes against persons and property can happen anywhere; however, negligent or inadequate security increases the risk of criminal activity. This may include:
- Physical assault and battery
- Theft, armed robberies, and muggings
- Damage to motor vehicles
- Car theft and carjacking
- Sexual assault and rape
- Manslaughter and homicide
- Kidnapping, including child abduction
The actions of the criminal constitute the direct cause of injury or damage in each of these cases. Investigation of the incident may reveal that the owner was negligent in the security of the premises, in which case the property owner may be held liable for damages.
Common Locations Where Negligent Security Is an Issue
Negligent security can be a serious problem on any type of property. Some premises, however, leave visitors and guests particularly vulnerable when security is lax. These include:
- Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
- Casinos
- Hotels, motels, and resorts
- Apartment buildings and condominium complexes
- Music and sports venues
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Parking lots
- Malls and shopping centers
- Swimming pools
- Nursing homes
Tens of millions of people visit Las Vegas every year. Many of the locations above cater to tourists, which means a dream vacation may become a nightmare if negligent security is present. That said, locals to Las Vegas may also suffer catastrophic injury—or worse—when property owners fail to secure the premises.
Whether you are an out-of-towner or you call Las Vegas home, it is important to seek legal counsel following any injury sustained due to negligent security. Attorneys at Burg Simpson can provide the knowledgeable guidance and support you deserve.
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What Injuries Are Associated with Negligent Security?
Negligent security on the premises increases the likelihood of unlawful and even criminal activity. For example, a bar or nightclub with inadequate bouncers or security guards may fail to break up a fight in which a patron is injured. Alternatively, failure to train and supervise security personnel may result in aggressive behavior by employees that can harm guests.
Sexual assault is another major concern associated with negligent security. Rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault are heinous crimes that can lead to severe physical and psychological injuries.
Ultimately, any number of serious injuries may occur as a result of negligent security. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the face and head
- Neck and back injuries (including damage to the spinal cord)
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries to the extremities, especially the wrists, hands, fingers, ankles, etc.
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Damage to internal organs
- Internal bleeding
- Dog bites
- Psychological trauma
Tragically, negligent security may result in the accidental death or even murder of visitors or guests on the property. Premises liability claims are entirely separate from any criminal proceedings. While local prosecutors may bring charges against the perpetrator, our lawyers can assess the liability of the property owner and pursue maximum compensation on behalf of your family.
How Do I Prove Negligent Security?
The fact that you were hurt or a member of your family was injured or killed is not sufficient in itself to prove that you are entitled to compensation in a negligent security claim. Rather, the following elements need to be established:
- The property owner owed the plaintiff a duty of care (i.e., an obligation to the safety of someone who is on the premises lawfully).
- What the duty of care entails depends on the legal status of the visitor. The duty owed to an invitee (someone with express or implied permission to access the premises) or licensee (someone authorized to access the premises to conduct business) is different from the limited duty owed to a trespasser (for the definition of “trespasser,” see Nevada Revised Statutes 41.515).
- The property owner was negligent in their duty (e.g.,, adequate security measures were not put in place).
- The breach of duty caused the plaintiff injury.
- The plaintiff suffered compensable damages.
Collecting the evidence necessary for satisfying each of these conditions on your own can be intimidating. Furthermore, the nature of your injuries and the time needed for recovery might make it difficult to investigate in a timely fashion.
It is in your best interest to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Burg Simpson understands that time is of the essence following any injury. Our team will focus on evaluating and preparing your case while you focus on recuperation.
How Long Do I Have to Sue for Negligent Security?
All personal injury lawsuits are subject to a time limit known as the statute of limitations. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim arising from an incident caused by negligent security is 2 years.
Two years following the date of the injury is the length of time you have to file a lawsuit against the property owner. It is important to note, however, that most civil claims are resolved via settlement rather than through a lawsuit that proceeds to trial.
While it may not be necessary to sue for injuries sustained as a result of negligent security, it is still important to retain an experienced trial lawyer who can take your case to court as needed. Burg Simpson’s Las Vegas office is led by attorney Jack F. DeGree, a seasoned litigator with a proven track record representing clients in negligent security claims and other personal injury matters.
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How Much Is My Negligent Security Case Worth?
Attorneys at Burg Simpson will closely evaluate your case to determine the full value of damages. We will then pursue maximum compensation for any and all losses you have sustained as a result of negligent security.
Compensable damages in your case may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room and hospital care, surgery, medications, rehabilitation and therapy, etc.
- The cost of future medical care
- Lost wages
- The loss of earning capacity, if you are no longer able to work
- Property damage (if applicable)
- The cost of modifying your home or vehicle
- Household assistance expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Inconvenience
- Exemplary and punitive damages (see Nevada Revised Statutes 42.005)
Property owners and insurance companies may try to argue that all reasonable precautions were taken when it came to security on the premises. More often than not, this is a tactic to avoid liability. A negligent security lawyer will gather all available evidence to refute this argument and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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How a Las Vegas Negligent Security Lawyer Can Help
A negligent security lawyer can be instrumental in helping the victims of negligence or violent crime assert their rights and obtain fair compensation. If you have been injured due to negligent security or another dangerous condition on a property, you should consult an attorney well-versed in premises liability claims.
For more than 45 years, Burg Simpson has been a leading advocate for plaintiffs in personal injury cases. Steps our lawyers can take to help you include:
- Investigating the case: A negligent security lawyer at our firm will conduct a thorough investigation to determine (a) if the property owner failed to implement appropriate security measures, and (b) if this negligence ultimately led to the crime. The investigative process may involve gathering evidence, reviewing security camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the overall security situation on the property.
- Establishing liability: To have a valid negligent security claim, it is essential to prove that the property owner (a) had a duty to provide reasonable security measures, and (b) their failure to do so directly contributed to your injuries. Your lawyer will also identify who is responsible for the property (i.e., the owner or an occupier) and assess the available insurance coverage.
- Evaluating damages: A negligent security lawyer will assess the full extent of damages you have sustained. This may include economic damages (such as medical expenses, lost income, etc.), non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.) and more. This evaluation helps determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek in the claim.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: In many cases, property owners have insurance coverage for negligent security claims. Our lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek a fair settlement that covers the damages incurred.
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we can file a negligent security lawsuit on your behalf and represent you throughout the legal process. This may include pre-trial negotiations, court hearings, and, if necessary, a trial.
- Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations: A knowledgeable negligent security lawyer will be familiar with relevant state and local laws and regulations pertaining to premises liability and security requirements. This expertise helps strengthen your case and improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
- Access to experts: Burg Simpson has cultivated relationships with leading professionals in a variety of fields. Security experts can testify as to the applicable standard of security for the type of property, steps a reasonable owner would have taken to ensure the premises were safe, and other key considerations.
- Providing peace of mind: Going through a traumatic experience like being a victim of a crime can be emotionally and mentally overwhelming. A skilled lawyer will provide support, guidance, and peace of mind throughout the legal process.
It is important to consult with a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met. Burg Simpson will review your case for FREE and take action promptly to protect your rights and pursue the optimal outcome.
Contact a Negligent Security Lawyer in Las Vegas Today
Anyone can fall victim to a crime. While it is easy to think of such an incident as a matter for the police and the criminal justice system, victims may also have legal recourse for compensation via premises liability law.
Holding a property owner accountable for negligent security can be challenging. Burg Simpson has wide-ranging experience with personal injury cases, and we have the knowledge, resources, and history of winning to help our clients obtain the results they deserve.
To speak to a Las Vegas negligent security lawyer, call Burg Simpson at 702-668-2070 today. Your initial consultation is FREE and 100% confidential, and you only pay fees if our attorneys obtain a settlement or trial award on your behalf.