Free Case Evaluation
South Carolina Businesses & Retail Outlets Injuries Lawyer
Help when negligent security leads to assaults and injuries
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that alleges a business or property owner has failed to provide adequate security measures to protect its customers and employees from foreseeable criminal acts. This can include crimes such as assault, robbery, rape, or murder. If you have been injured in a crime that could have been prevented by adequate security measures, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit against the business.
The South Carolina negligent security attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC hold property owners accountable when you suffer injuries at a business or other retail outlet. We have secured millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and jury verdicts for our clients.
Free Case Evaluation
What is a South Carolina negligent security case?
Business owners must provide a safe environment for their visitors and patrons. If their property is unsafe, or if there is a history of criminal activity in that area, they must take steps to reduce the risk of attacks, assaults, or other injuries. Failure to do this could leave them liable in a negligent security claim.
To establish a claim for negligent security, the victim must prove that:
- The property owner or business had a duty to provide security.
- The property owner or business breached that duty by failing to take reasonable security measures.
- The victim was injured as a result of the breach of duty.
- The victim's injuries were caused by the criminal act.
The standard of care for security measures is determined by the specific circumstances of the case. However, some factors that courts consider include the type of property, the location of the property, the history of crime in the area, and the amount of money that the property owner or business could reasonably afford to spend on security.
What types of injuries result from negligent security?
The types of injuries that can happen from negligent security vary depending on the specific crime that was committed. However, some common injuries include:
- Physical injuries. These can include injuries such as broken bones, cuts, bruises, and internal injuries.
- Sexual assault. This can include rape, sexual battery, and other forms of sexual assault.
- Emotional injuries. These can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
- Economic losses. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In some cases, injuries from negligent security can be fatal. If you or a loved one have been injured in a crime that could have been prevented by adequate security measures, you should seek medical attention immediately. You should also speak to a South Carolina attorney to discuss your legal options.
What do negligent or inadequate security measures look like?
Here are some examples of negligent security that can lead to injuries:
- Lack of adequate lighting. This can make it easy for criminals to attack people in parking lots or other areas of the store.
- Inadequate security cameras. This can make it difficult to identify criminals or to track down evidence after a crime has been committed.
- Untrained or unqualified security guards. This can lead to security guards being unable to prevent or respond to crimes effectively.
- Poorly maintained locks. This can make it easy for criminals to break into stores or to steal merchandise.
- Failure to monitor suspicious activity. This can allow criminals to commit crimes without being detected.
- Failure to have a clear policy for handling disruptive customers. This can create a dangerous environment for customers and employees.
If you have been injured in a crime that could have been prevented by adequate security measures, you may be able to file a negligent security lawsuit against the property owner or business. Our attorneys can advise you of your legal options.
Who is liable for my South Carolina negligent security claim?
The liable party for your business or retail negligent security case will depend on the specific facts of your case. However, in general, the liable party is the property owner or business that had a duty to provide security and breached that duty.
In most cases, the liable party for a business or retail negligent security case is the owner of the property or the business itself. However, there may be other parties that could be liable, such as:
- The manager of the property or business
- The security company that was hired to provide security
- The architect or engineer who designed the property
- The owner of a retail store that does not have adequate security measures in place to prevent assaults or robberies
- The manager of a shopping mall that does not have security guards or cameras, which makes it easy for criminals to commit crimes
Our attorneys can help you determine whether you have a valid negligent security claim and can help you file a lawsuit if you decide to do so. They can also help you negotiate a settlement with the liable party or represent you in court if necessary.
Do you have a negligent security attorney near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is located at 1539 Health Care Drive in Rock Hill, SC. If you are too ill or injured to visit us, we can see you in the hospital or meet via telephone or video conference.
We also maintain offices in or near Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, and serve clients throughout the State of South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
Experienced negligent security attorneys serving South Carolina
If you were injured or assaulted in a business or retail establishment, the attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC can help. Our experience in these types of complex cases can help you secure the compensation and justice to which you’re entitled for your injuries and losses. Call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, proudly serves people throughout South Carolina.