The Basics of Negligent Security Lawsuits in Illinois

 Posted on June 03, 2022 in Personal Injury

When an individual patronizes a bar, restaurant, nightclub, retail store, or other commercial business, he or she expects that the business will take reasonable steps to prevent customers from being harmed. However, not every business fulfills its duty to keep customers safe.

Negligent security lawsuits are brought against businesses and property owners when inadequate security causes a guest to be injured or killed. If you or a loved one were the victim of assault, battery, rape, or robbery because of a business’s substandard security measures, you may be able to file a premises liability claim on the basis of negligent security. You may be able to hold the at-fault party responsible for physical and mental injuries and recover financial compensation for your damages.

What Counts as Negligent Security?

It can be hard to know for sure when an attack is caused by negligent security because the security measures a property or business owner should take depend on many factors. A business located in a high crime area with a history of violent attacks will have different security needs than a business in a low crime area. The foreseeability of an assault, battery, or other violent act is often a major determining factor in a negligent security lawsuit. Did the business owner have reason to believe that customers may be in danger? Did the property owner fail to fix broken locks, hire enough security guards, or install lights in the parking lot?

What is the Purpose of Filing an Injury Lawsuit After an Attack?

If you were the victim of a violent attack, you may be anxious to put the situation behind you. However, filing an injury claim for negligent security may benefit you in several ways, including:

• Pursuing justice – When a business or property owner fails to prevent avoidable injuries to guests, the liable party should be held accountable. Bringing a claim against the at-fault party may be the best way to seek justice in your case.
• Preventing similar attacks – Unfortunately, many businesses try to reduce costs by cutting corners. For example, a bar owner may fire his bouncers to save money, but in doing so, he puts customers at an increased risk of harm. Holding a business accountable for an attack may reduce the chances of other people being hurt in similar incidents in the future.
• Recovering compensation – Being injured in an attack can lead to steep medical bills and other financial losses. Through a negligent security lawsuit, victims may be able to recover financial compensation for economic damages like medical bills and lost income as well as non-financial damages like pain and suffering.

Contact an Elk Grove Personal Injury Lawyer for Negligent Security

If you or a loved one were the victim of a robbery, assault, battery, or another act of physical violence, contact Kaiser Law to discuss your legal options. Our knowledgeable Bensenville premises liability attorneys are committed to holding liable parties accountable and protecting our clients’ rights. Call 630-274-4400 for a free consultation.

Source:

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