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South Carolina Apartment Complex Injuries Lawyer
Experienced help when negligent security leads to assaults and injuries in apartments
Negligent security in apartment buildings refers to a situation where the property owner or manager fails to take reasonable steps to provide adequate security measures for residents and visitors. This failure can lead to an increased risk of criminal activities, such as theft, assault, or vandalism, within the premises. If an individual suffers harm or loss due to inadequate security, they may have grounds for a legal claim against the property owner or manager.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina negligent security attorneys hold property owners responsible when their failure to secure the premises results in injury and losses. We have secured millions of dollars in personal injury settlements and jury verdicts for our clients, and have the resources and dedication to help you or a loved one when you suffer an injury or assault through no fault of your own.
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What is negligent security?
Negligent security in an apartment building refers to a situation where the property owner or manager fails to provide a reasonable level of security to protect residents and visitors from foreseeable harm or criminal activities. It involves a breach of the duty of care owed by the property owner or manager to ensure the safety of individuals on the premises.
Negligent security can manifest in various ways in an apartment building, including:
- Inadequate physical security. This involves insufficient security measures such as broken locks, malfunctioning security systems, lack of proper lighting in common areas or parking lots, or easily breached perimeter fencing.
- Lack of security personnel. Apartment buildings may require security guards or personnel to monitor and patrol the premises. Negligent security may occur if there is a lack of adequate staffing or if the security personnel are poorly trained or ineffective.
- Failure to address known security risks. If the property owner or manager is aware of prior criminal incidents in or around the apartment building but fails to take reasonable steps to address those risks, it can be considered negligent. For example, if there have been multiple instances of thefts or assaults in the building, and the owner or manager does not implement additional security measures in response, it could be seen as negligence.
- Inadequate access control. Negligent security can arise if the apartment building lacks appropriate access control measures, such as keycard or keypad entry systems, to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the premises.
- Insufficient response to security incidents. If the property owner or manager fails to respond appropriately or in a timely manner to reports of criminal activity or security concerns raised by residents, it can be deemed negligent.
Negligent security in an apartment building can lead to various risks, including theft, assault, burglary, vandalism, or other criminal acts. When individuals suffer harm or loss due to negligent security, they may have legal recourse to seek compensation for their damages through a premises liability claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
What types of incidents can happen from negligent security in an apartment building?
Negligent security in an apartment building can lead to various types of injuries and harm to residents and visitors. Some examples include:
- Physical assault. Inadequate security measures, such as broken locks or lack of security personnel, can increase the risk of physical assault by allowing unauthorized individuals to enter the premises. This can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe physical harm, including broken bones, concussions, or even life-threatening injuries.
- Robbery or theft. Insufficient security measures may make it easier for criminals to target residents or visitors for robbery or theft. Victims can suffer injuries during these incidents, such as being assaulted or physically restrained during the commission of the crime.
- Sexual assault. In cases of negligent security, individuals, particularly women, may be at a heightened risk of sexual assault. Poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or inadequate access control can contribute to an unsafe environment where such incidents can occur.
- Slip and fall accidents. Negligent security can also encompass hazards within the premises that contribute to slip and fall accidents. For example, poorly maintained common areas, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting can increase the risk of falls and result in injuries such as fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
- Shooting injuries. If a visitor or criminal enters the building and begins shooting, the building owner/manager may be held liable for failing to enact security measures which would protect the residents. People who suffer life-threatening or life-altering injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, organ damage, or even fatal injuries may be able to file a negligent security claim.
- Emotional distress. Experiencing a traumatic event due to negligent security, such as being a victim of assault or witnessing a crime, can cause significant emotional distress and psychological harm, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.
It's important to note that the specific injuries and their severity can vary depending on the circumstances and the nature of the negligent security issue.
Who is liable for my South Carolina negligent security claim?
The liability for a negligent security claim in a South Carolina apartment will depend on the specific facts of the case. However, in general, the apartment complex owner or manager will be liable for the injuries if they:
- Had a duty to provide security. This duty is based on the foreseeability of harm. If the apartment complex owner or manager could reasonably have foreseen that a violent crime could occur on their property, they had a duty to take steps to prevent it.
- Breached that duty. This means that the apartment complex owner or manager failed to take reasonable steps to protect residents from the risk of violent crime. For example, they may have failed to hire security guards, install security cameras, or keep the premises well-lit.
- The breach of duty caused the injury. This means that the victim's injuries would not have occurred if the apartment complex owner or manager had taken reasonable steps to protect them.
In some cases, other parties may also be liable for a negligent security claim in a South Carolina apartment building. For example, if the apartment complex owner or manager hired a security company, that company may also be liable for the injuries if they were negligent in their duties.
Here are some additional factors that may be considered in determining liability for a negligent security claim in a South Carolina apartment:
- The type of apartment complex. For example, a high-rise apartment complex may have a higher duty to provide security than a small apartment complex.
- The history of crime on the property. If there have been previous violent crimes on the property, the apartment complex owner or manager may have a greater duty to provide security.
- The time of day and location of the incident. For example, an apartment complex may have a greater duty to provide security at night or in a high-crime area.
Our attorneys can investigate your case and provide knowledgeable counsel.
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.
Contact our South Carolina negligent security lawyers today
Were you or a loved one injured because of negligent security at an apartment building or complex? Talk to the premises liability attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips today. We can help hold the right parties responsible and work to secure proper and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our offices at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form today. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, proudly serves people throughout South Carolina from offices in Columbia, Anderson, Rock Hill, Sumter, and Georgetown.