There are numerous ways to get hurt on someone else’s property, including injuries caused by the lack of appropriate security features. If you were attacked or injured by someone committing a crime, you may be able to file an injury claim against the property owner if they were negligent in securing their property. 

Negligent security is a complex legal concept, so if you believe you may have a claim, it’s a good idea to consult with a Watertown negligent security lawyer about your options. Our skilled premises liability attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have over 100 years of combined experience helping clients in Watertown secure financial compensation from at-fault property owners. 

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. Premises liability means that property owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors or tenants, and negligent security allows property owners to be held liable if someone is injured on their property due to inadequate security. Connecticut case law has established that owners are obligated to keep their properties safe by implementing appropriate security measures. 

When owners fail to uphold their duty of care to keep the premises safe, criminal acts like assault or robbery could occur, leaving negligent property owners liable for subsequent injuries. Depending on the circumstances, other people or entities may be responsible for negligent security, including property managers, security guards, or property tenants. 

Examples of negligent security include broken security cameras, missing exterior lighting, and unlockable doors. Ensuring that a property has sufficient security measures may look different for each property, depending on the perceived risks, needs of the tenants or visitors, and the type of building. 

For example, Connecticut law requires landlords to keep common areas of the property in safe condition. While this is a legal requirement, it is vague and open to subjective interpretation. It’s important to speak with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of the state’s premises liability and negligent security laws. 

If you were the victim of a criminal act on someone else’s property and believe negligent security played a part in your attack, contact the seasoned Watertown attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to discuss your case. We can answer any questions you may have about Connecticut’s premises liability laws and how they apply to your situation. 

Elements of Negligent Security

Building a strong case to establish your negligent security claim means your Watertown lawyer must prove the owner owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that their negligence caused you to be injured. There must be a direct link between the owner or occupier’s breach of duty and the harm you sustained. Was the lack of security a substantial factor in your injury? If so, you may have a successful negligent security claim. 

Foreseeability is another vital element of a negligent security case. This factor means that the owner knew or should have known that the criminal act that occurred was likely to happen or that there was a risk of it happening. 

Rely on the Watertown Negligent Security Attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC

At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation when they have experienced a devastating injury. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are here to help, so contact us to schedule your free consultation with a Watertown negligent security lawyer.