Commercial property owners and apartment building owners have a legal duty to keep their businesses and premises safe for visitors, tenants, and customers. This duty includes implementing security measures to prevent criminal acts and harm—including operable outdoor locks, security systems, and well-lit hallways. Failing to meet these obligations may result in claims of negligent security, as property owners can be held accountable for not taking adequate steps to protect individuals on their premises. Learn about the common injuries in Connecticut negligent security claims and how you could pursue legal action after suffering one.

Who Is Liable for Negligent Security Injuries?

While property owners are often responsible for negligent security issues, there are other possibilities when complex ownership, leasing, and employment arrangements are involved. If you were injured at a shopping mall, hotel, or other commercial property, the liable party could be a security guard, security company, property manager, maintenance worker, or lessee. 

Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence system also means that more than one person or entity can be at fault, so liability may belong to multiple people or entities, including the injured victim. If you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible.

Injuries Caused by Negligent Security

Victims of negligent security in Connecticut experience a wide range of injuries depending on the type of crime that occurs. Common criminal activity that occurs when property owners fail to take reasonable steps to secure the property include:

In addition to physical injuries like bruises, cuts, broken bones, or bullet wounds, the psychological harm resulting from negligent security can be extreme. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in victims of violent crimes, and symptoms associated with PTSD include nightmares, depression, mood swings, and memory problems.

Filing a Claim for Negligent Security Injuries in Connecticut

The statute of limitations for premises liability claims, including negligent security, is usually two years from the date of the incident. There are exceptions to this rule, including the following:

  • If your injury was not immediately discoverable
  • If the at-fault party is a government entity

It’s important to speak with a negligent security lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the statute of limitations. This deadline to initiate your legal claim is strict, and failing to file in time could mean you lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries. 

Reasonable Foreseeability in Negligent Security Claims

You must be able to prove reasonable foreseeability in order to establish a claim for negligent security in Connecticut. If a reasonable person would have predicted the outcome of the property owner’s actions, then the foreseeability requirement may exist in your claim. For example, failing to install operable locks on exterior doors in a neighborhood that’s had previous break-ins could reasonably lead to the property being broken into. 

Examples of Negligent Security Issues

Security and safety violations at public buildings like stores, gas stations, and common areas of apartment buildings can lead to negligent security claims. When a Connecticut property owner or manager’s failure to implement proper safety measures leads to injuries from criminal activity, they could be held liable for injuries. Some examples of security issues that could lead to negligent security incidents include:

  • Lack of proper lighting
  • Broken gates or exterior doors
  • Missing door locks
  • Inadequate security staff
  • Inoperable security alarms

Skilled Legal Guidance for Your Connecticut Negligent Security Injury Claim

At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, we have the targeted experience you need for a successful negligent security claim process. We’ve been representing clients in Connecticut for over 100 combined years, and our extensive, in-depth knowledge is beneficial in every step of your negligent security case. We know the common injuries in Connecticut negligent security claims and how to seek comprehensive compensation for them on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.