In Johnson City, property owners are legally responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This includes providing adequate security to protect against criminal acts. When they fail to do this and someone is robbed, assaulted, or otherwise harmed, it may constitute a valid negligent security claim.
The Terry Law Firm has protected the people of Johnson City from property owner negligence for over 65 years. Whether you were harmed outside a bar on West State of Franklin Road, in a poorly lit parking lot near The Mall at Johnson City, or at an apartment complex, our Johnson City negligent security lawyers are here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
Do I Have a Valid Negligent Security Claim in Johnson City?
You may have a valid negligent security claim if you were harmed due to a criminal act that could have been prevented with reasonable safety measures. Examples include the following:
- Poor lighting in parking lots or hallways
- Broken locks, gates, or security cameras
- Lack of trained security personnel in high-risk areas
- Failure to respond to prior incidents
In Tennessee, negligent security laws focus on whether the crime was “reasonably foreseeable,” meaning that there were clear security risks or similar incidents had occurred in the past. If the crime was reasonably foreseeable and the property owner failed to take reasonable measures to prevent it, they may be responsible.
What Compensation Can I Get for Negligent Security in Tennessee
Negligent security incidents often result in severe physical, emotional, and financial harm to the victim. Your negligent security attorney will likely seek compensation for the following on your behalf:
Medical Expenses
Criminal assaults can result in serious injuries and significant medical bills. The negligent property owner may be responsible for ER visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medical devices, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical expenses.
Lost Wages
Whether you missed work while recovering or your injuries have rendered you unable to work indefinitely, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. That includes hourly wages or salary, missed raises or promotions, commissions and tips, sick days, vacation time, and future lost wages.
Property Damage or Theft
If the criminal act caused property damage or you had property stolen, the at-fault party may be responsible for repairing or replacing it.
Pain and Suffering
Victims of criminal acts often suffer from not only physical pain but also emotional trauma and a loss of security in their daily lives. Pain and suffering compensation can account for this damage. Your security negligence lawyer can calculate your maximum compensation by assessing medical records, personal testimony, and expert opinions.
Negligent Security Legal Process FAQ
The following are some of the most common questions our Johnson City negligent security lawyers are asked about these unique personal injury cases.
How do you prove the property owner was negligent about security?
Our negligent security attorneys can gather prior police reports, witness statements, maintenance records, and surveillance footage to support your case. This evidence can demonstrate that the property owner was aware of or should have been aware of the security risks that allowed the criminal act to occur, but failed to address them.
What if the criminal who attacked me was never caught?
Regardless of whether the perpetrator of the crime is ever identified, caught, or prosecuted, the property owner may still be held responsible for failing to maintain reasonably safe premises.
Can I sue if I was attacked in a “bad neighborhood”?
Yes. You still have legal rights regardless of where the criminal act occurred. In fact, property owners have an even greater responsibility to provide adequate security in high-crime areas.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, you typically have one year from the date of the incident to file a negligent security lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation in court. That’s why contacting an experienced negligent security lawyer as soon as possible is crucial when pursuing your claim.
What if the property owner says they’re not responsible for criminal acts?
Not every crime that takes place on a property owner’s premises is their legal responsibility. However, if they failed to take reasonable steps to provide adequate security, they can still be liable regardless of what they might tell you.
Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?
Many cases settle out of court, but insurance companies won’t always offer the settlement you deserve. When that’s the case, our inadequate security lawyers can file a lawsuit and take your claim to court. We prepare every case as if it’s going directly to trial, so we’re always ready to fight for a favorable verdict.
What evidence do I need for my negligent security case?
We typically seek to establish liability and demonstrate the true impact of your injuries through police reports, photos and videos of the unsafe conditions, medical records, and evidence of similar incidents on the property.
Why Johnson City Negligent Security Cases Are Complex and Need Experienced Legal Help
Negligent security cases present unique challenges that can require an experienced legal personal injury attorney to address. Those challenges include the following:
- Proving Foreseeability – Our security negligence lawyers must demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known that a crime could occur based on clear risks or past incidents.
- Time-Sensitive Evidence – Security footage and maintenance logs can provide crucial evidence to support your claim, and they can easily be “lost” if you don’t act quickly to preserve and obtain them.
- Insurance Company Defenses – Insurers will look to protect their profits by claiming the crime was unpredictable or that you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Combatting these claims can require a skilled inadequate security lawyer.
- Multiple Liable Parties – In some cases, the property owner is not the only liable party; security contractors, event organizers, or management companies could also be responsible. This can make seeking compensation significantly more complicated.
Don’t Let Negligent Property Owners Escape Responsibility
While the property owner may not have committed the crime that harmed you, their failure to provide sufficient security on their premises may have allowed it to happen. They should be held accountable, and you deserve fair compensation for the traumatic experience you’ve endured. The team at The Terry Law Firm offers the compassionate support and tenacious representation you need to continue healing and reclaiming your life. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.