Property owners and managers have a duty of care to residents and visitors on their property. This duty of care includes providing adequate security, and if they fail to implement reasonable security measures leading to harm or injury to individuals on the premises, it opens the door to premises liability claims.
Premises liability claims stemming from negligent security are typically grounded in the principle of foreseeability and negligence.
As such, property owners and managers are to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of individuals on their premises.
In this article, we will be discussing the various forms negligent security can manifest and how it can lead to a premises liability claim.
Alt: Security Personnel Taking Notes
Lack of Security Personnel
When a property does not have security personnel on-site, there’s a high likelihood for an assault or crime to occur on the property.
The presence of security personnel is purposeful and distinct in providing immediate action in a multitude of possible scenarios.
If you’ve experienced harm due to a lack of security personnel on a property, you should contact our negligent security lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada as it’s your legal right to get compensation for damages.
Failure to Restrict Access
Access control is an important aspect of protecting a building and its occupants by reducing the risk of unauthorized intrusion while making access convenient for authorized users and visitors.
Property owners can restrict access in so many ways such as having security personnel stationed at every door, displaying clear signage, or using credentials like key cards, biometrics, or mobile credentials.
Property owners and managers are liable if there’s a crime due to their failure to restrict access to the property, because they have a duty of care, and it applies to all visitors.
Malfunctioning or Broken Security Cameras
Security cameras play a crucial role in both the plaintiff and defendant in a lawsuit. It reduces speculation, corroborates or contradicts testimonies, and shows the presence or lack of security on the property.
However, if the property’s security cameras are broken or malfunctioning and the property managers or owners make no effort to fix them, it can lead to a premises liability claim.
Security cameras make up a huge part of implementing the best security practices and crime prevention techniques which landlords are liable for in ensuring the wellbeing of their visitors and protecting their assets.
Security Alarm Malfunctions
Another essential security measure property owners and managers are responsible for is providing security alarms. Security alarms play a crucial role in ensuring the protection and safety of everyone on the property.
There are so many types of alarm property managers can consider using with each one offering different functions such as:
- Bugler alarm
- Monitored alarm
- Unmonitored security alarm
- Wired alarm
- Wireless alarm
- Fire alarm
- Access control, etc.
If there’s a crime on a property due to a faulty security alarm, the property owner or manager will be held liable for any harm or loss resulting from the security breaches.
Failure to Address Previous Incidents or Known Security Threats
If lapses in the security details of a property that lead to an incident have not been addressed, and a similar incident occurs on that property, it can lead to a premises liability claim.
According to the law, when property owners and managers do not treat all known security threats it’s considered gross negligence making them liable for any damage suffered by the victim.
