Are you the victim of a crime that occurred on another party’s property? If so, you may recover compensation for your injuries if the property owner or other responsible party fails to provide adequate security. Negligent security cases are complicated premises liability claims. Therefore, you want an experienced legal team to handle your case.
Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. have decades of combined experience fighting for the rights of victims and their families. For more than 125 years, our law firm has provided trusted legal advice and counsel. Our attorneys are well-respected trial lawyers with a successful track record. They have received top ratings and recognition from prestigious national organizations, including Martindale-Hubbell and Best Lawyers.
Call Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation with one of our South Carolina negligent security lawyers.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Recover Compensation for a Negligent Security Claim
Property owners, businesses, and other responsible parties can be held liable for damages if their negligence leads to someone’s injuries. However, victims have the burden of proving the legal elements of a premises liability claim before receiving compensation for damages.
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., we have the resources, skills, and experience to investigate and pursue negligent security claims. Our attorneys and legal staff handle all matters related to your claim, including:
- Investigating the circumstances that led to your injuries
- Gathering evidence to build a case against the property owner and other parties
- Monitor the outcome of law enforcement investigations into criminal charges for the person who injured you
- Hire leading expert witnesses as necessary to strengthen your case
- Carefully document and assess your damages to determine how much your negligent security claim is worth
- Defend you against allegations of comparative negligence and blame
- Aggressively negotiate a fair settlement
- Have a seasoned trial lawyer argue your case in court when necessary
When property owners fail to take reasonable steps to protect people on their premises, they may be liable for damages if someone is attacked. Our legal team pursues these claims to get you the money you need for medical bills and loss of income. We work to obtain maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
Call Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced South Carolina negligent security lawyer.
We Handle All Types of Negligent Security Claims in South Carolina
Numerous crimes could occur because a property owner failed to provide adequate security. Negligent security could lead to a shooting,assault, robbery, battery, or other crimes. Victims may sustain severe injuries and significant financial losses.
Our attorneys at Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. handle all types of negligent security claims, including claims involving:
- Stores and shopping malls
- Apartment complexes
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Convention centers
- Hotels and resorts
- Bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
- Pawnshops
- Amusement parks
- Gas stations and convenience stores
- Entertainment and sports venues
- Parking lots and garages
- State and city buildings and facilities
Property owners, businesses, and other responsible parties have a duty of care to keep their property safe for guests. When they breach their duty of care, they can be liable for the harm caused to someone because of their negligence.
How Do I Prove Negligent Security Caused My Injuries?
Negligent security claims fall under premises liability law. Proving liability for a negligent security claim requires you to establish:
- Duty – The property owner or other responsible party owed you a legal duty of care. Most businesses and property owners owe a duty of care to their patrons.
- Breach of Duty – You must prove how the owner or other party failed to use reasonable care to protect people on their property.
- Causation – There must be a connection between the party’s negligence and your injuries. In other words, the fact they failed to have adequate security was a direct and proximate cause of what happened to you.
- Damages – You must prove that the attack caused you to sustain harm, such as injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses.
Gathering evidence to prove each element is essential for winning a negligent security case. The security standards may differ depending on the location and circumstances. A thorough investigation and analysis of the facts are required to determine the standard of care that should have been used in your situation.
What Is Considered Negligent Security in South Carolina?
Property owners must take reasonable steps to secure and make the premises safe for patrons. Examples of negligent security include:
- Failing to use security cameras
- Malfunctioning or broken security equipment
- Inadequate lighting
- Blocked emergency exits
- Failure to screen patrons for weapons
- Inadequate staffing levels for the number of people on the premises
- Failing to secure doors and windows
- Not having an adequate number of security guards on site
- Failing to perform background checks on employees
- Inadequate training for employees
Depending on the location, a property may require enhanced security for protection. For example, a property located in a high crime area may require additional security. As part of the test to determine liability, you must also prove that the party could reasonably foresee a danger. In other words, is a criminal act reasonably likely to occur?
What Damages Can I Receive for a South Carolina Negligent Security Claim?
Victims generally seek compensation for their economic damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages, benefits, and earning capacity
- Rehabilitative care and therapy
- Long-term personal and/or nursing care
Injured individuals may also seek compensation for non-economic damages. These damages include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Impairment and disability
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
The value of your damages depends on the factors involved in your case. Our legal team works to maximize the value of the claim to obtain the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our South Carolina Negligent Security Attorneys
You deserve to be compensated fully for all damages resulting from a negligent security claim. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A., we will fight for your rights and pursue all sources of compensation. Call today for a free case review from a South Carolina negligent security attorney.
With law offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. also serves Surfside Beach, Garden City, the Grand Strand, and other communities throughout Florence County, Marion County, Horry County, Darlington County, and Georgetown County.