When Is a Business Liable for an Assault?

 Posted on August 29, 2022 in Personal Injury

Being the victim of a robbery, assault, battery, sexual assault, or another violent crime is something that can change your life forever. The immediate physical injuries resulting from the attack are often just the beginning. Many people suffer from lingering psychological, emotional, and personal consequences for years or decades after the attack. They have trouble working or even completing everyday tasks like running errands. Many are consumed by fear and anxiety.

When a business's failure to provide adequate security leads to an avoidable attack, the business may be liable for damages.  If you were injured in a violent attack, you may be able to seek financial reimbursement for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more through a personal injury lawsuit. To learn more about when a business may be held liable for an assault, contact a personal injury attorney.

Negligent Security Resulting in Avoidable Injury

Bars, restaurants, apartment complexes, concert venues, and other businesses have a legal duty to provide reasonable security. Some examples of negligent security include:

• Not having enough security guards on the premises
• Failing to properly train security staff
• Failing to properly monitor security cameras
• Allowing known criminals or trespassers to remain on the property
• Not repairing broken or missing locks
• Not providing adequate lighting in parking lots or other areas

If a business knew or should have known about a potential security threat and did not take reasonable steps to address it, the business may be held liable if an attack occurs.  For example, if a bar knows that there has been a recent string of assaults in the neighborhood and does not hire security guards or take other precautions, the bar may be held liable if someone is assaulted while patronizing the establishment. Similarly, an apartment complex may be legally responsible if broken locks or inadequate security measures lead to an intruder attacking a tenant.

Damages in a Negligent Security Lawsuit

The amount of damages an individual may be entitled to vary. Negligent security injury claim damages often include:

• Medical expenses, both past and future
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand what types of damages you may be able to recover and will fight to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Call Our DuPage County Negligent Security Lawyer

If you were injured in an assault or other type of attack, you may be able to recover monetary damages. Contact Wheaton personal injury lawyer David W. Clark today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2048&ChapterID=57