At Maison Law, our lawyers offer representation to victims of negligent security incidents in California. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an incident at an apartment complex, you may have rights and options under California law. Handling a claim on your own may feel impossible, which is why you should always have legal help on your side. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a completely free and confidential case review.
The Threat of Robberies in California Apartment Complex Parking Lots
Parking lots, surprisingly, can be a common area for crimes like robberies to take place in the blink of an eye. In 2022, statistics showed that approximately 15,745 robberies took place in United States parking lots. Robberies are actually one of the most common types of negligent security-related incidents and happen frequently in parking lots, especially at apartment complexes. Criminals know that those who live at these complexes will be walking to their vehicle multiple times throughout a week, planning an attack.
Unfortunately, robberies do not always end in having an item stolen. They can quickly lead to other serious events like assault or even death if a criminal hurts the victim while the robbery is taking place. In these events, who is liable for the harm that you have suffered?
Is the Apartment Complex Liable for the Attack?
If you have fallen victim to a robbery or another type of attack in an apartment complex parking lot, you may wonder what legal options you have. The owners of apartment complexes owe tenants and visitors to their property a duty of care from harm. This means taking measures that can prevent robberies and other crimes in a parking lot. There are some questions that you can ask to determine if an apartment complex could be liable for your case:
- Was the crime foreseeable due to the lack of security measures in the parking lot?
- Was there known criminal activity in the area?
- Did the property owner assess the potential for criminal acts on their property?
- Did the property owner implement safety and security equipment on the property?
- Was there adequate lighting in the parking lot and other areas of the property?
- Was there security personnel, as needed, on the property?
You will need to show more than just injuries if you want to bring a successful negligent security claim against the owner of an apartment complex or property. It is important that you have a lawyer on your side that can show the apartment complex failed to take measures to ensure your safety on the property. If you can show that there was a lack of security measures taken and a foreseeable harm, you may be successful in a negligent security claim.
Improvements in Parking Lot Security
Parking lots appear in almost every apartment complex throughout California. An unthinkable attack can happen at any time, which is why property owners must prioritize the safety of these areas. Here are some ways that they can do so, protecting individuals who utilize these lots:
- Thorough inspection of the property to identify safety issues, such as poor lighting in walkways and enclosed areas where surveillance cameras do not exist
- Install adequate lighting so that criminal activity can be deterred
- Place security cameras in the parking lot to discourage criminals and pick up evidence if an incident takes place
- Hire reliable security officers who can patrol parking lots
- Install signs that remind individuals to lock their vehicles and notify that surveillance is in the area
When a property owner becomes aware that there is a hazard in an apartment parking lot, they can take actions to correct the problem. All areas of a parking lot should be property maintained, lit, and secured so that visitors are kept safe from harm at all times.
Damages Available in Your Negligent Security Claim
You may need to pursue a lawsuit against a negligent party so that you can receive damages for the injuries and property damage you have suffered. There are some types of support that are most common in these types of cases, which include the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence
Each negligent security claim is different, which means that the outcome of your claim will depend on many factors. These can include the severity of your injuries, the strength of your case, and more. You only have two years from the time that you discover your injury to bring a claim under California’s statute of limitations. This is why it is important that you act quickly to protect your rights.
Contact a California Apartment Negligent Security Lawyer Today
Our California apartment negligent security lawyers at Maison Law have diligently and compassionately assisted many individuals who have fallen victim to negligent security at apartment complexes. We believe that you should always be kept safe from harm in these areas under California law. A property owner or another liable party should be held liable for their negligence in your case. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation so that you can get started.
