At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have fallen victim to attacks in apartment complex courtyards and many other areas throughout California. When negligent security is the reason for the attack, you have many options under California law as you move forward with a premises liability claim. We will provide you with the resources that you need to successfully move forward during these difficult times. Please contact us for more information on what options you have and a free case consultation.
Common Crimes in Apartment Complex Courtyards
In California, courtyards have always been used for many types of work and recreation – from cooking to gardening and conversing with neighbors. They are an area where you should be able to relax and feel safe from the heavy bustle of city life. However, just as with many areas of apartment complexes, dangers could be lurking around any corner.
Certain crimes are more likely to occur in apartment complex courtyards than in many other areas when security is inadequate. These include the following:
- Robberies
- Burglaries
- Assaults
Apartment complex property owners are expected to take measures to ensure that security is a top priority at courtyards and other areas in an apartment complex. If appropriate security is not present, there is a higher likelihood of crime taking place in a courtyard that could lead to severe injuries and trauma.
Proving Liability in a Negligent Security Claim Involving an Apartment Courtyard
An apartment complex property owner has a duty of care to ensure that you and others on the property are kept safe from harm. If you have fallen victim to a robbery or another type of attack in one of these areas, you must show that the following elements were present:
Duty of Care: You must show that the apartment owner owed you and others a legal duty to protect you from harm in all areas of the apartment complex. This means keeping adequate security measures in mind at all times.
Breach in Duty: If the building owner failed to take action and you were attacked in a courtyard due to a lack of security measures, this means that the owner has breached their duty of care to you.
Causation: You must be able to show that the breach in duty led to the harm that you have suffered in a courtyard attack.
Damages: You have to show that you sustained verifiable damages as a result of the attack.
Necessary Apartment Complex Courtyard Security Measures
When an apartment complex has a courtyard, a property owner must keep in mind that there are many ways that a criminal can gain access to these areas without proper security measures in place. To improve security in these areas, owners should do the following:
- Install surveillance cameras in courtyard areas
- Install controlled access gates to courtyards
- Install door and window systems, as well as secure locks
- Hire security guards
- Warn individuals on the property or prior robberies in the area
- Install adequate lighting throughout the courtyard
If you have experienced a crime and believe that security measures have not been taken, you may be able to bring a successful premises liability claim. It is important that you consider the help from a legal advocate who has handled these types of claims in the past.
Contact Maison Law After a California Negligent Security Accident
It can be extremely devastating to become involved in a robbery or another crime at an apartment complex. In courtyards and other areas of a complex, you should be guaranteed safety at all times. If you have been involved in a crime, you have every right to hold a responsible party liable for the harm that you have experienced.
At Maison Law, our experienced and knowledgeable California negligent security lawyers are here for you after a traumatic crime has upended your life. We have the resources necessary to help you gain success and damages you need to get back on your feet in your case. Please contact us for a free and no-obligation case consultation.
