New York business and property owners have a duty to provide an environment that is safe from criminal attacks and assaults. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt or killed, they can be held liable under a theory of law called premises liability. Customers, employees, tenants, guests and other visitors should be protected from foreseeable attacks and assaults. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as a result of inadequate security, The Law Firm of Panzavecchia & Associates, PLLC., can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.
What’s Adequate?
What constitutes adequate or inadequate security depends on a number of factors related to foreseeability. Foreseeability, the likelihood that a criminal attack or assault would occur, is the key. Did the property or business take reasonable measures to protect you based on the likelihood that the crime would occur? Different types of businesses and locations require different levels of security, but some basic measures include:
- Adequate lighting
- Security cameras with monitoring
- Adequate number of security personnel
- Proper training of security personnel
- Proper policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment
- Proper lock and key controls in businesses such as hotels
Foreseeability
Elements of foreseeability include:
- The type of business, even if there is no history of crime at that particular location. For instance, banks, jewelry stores and bars are presumed to have an elevated risk.
- Property with a history of crime, no matter what type of business.
- Property or business located in a high crime area.
- Recent spike in crime affecting the property, the area, or the type of business.
- A direct threat was made.
- A known elevated risk, even with no direct threat made, such as an employee at risk for a domestic violence attack or a disgruntled employee, former employee, or customer.
To learn more about your legal rights and how we can help, call the New York premises liability attorneys of The Law Firm of Panzavecchia & Associates, PLLC., at (888) LAW-2204 or email us today for a free claim evaluation.