When on someone else’s property, your security should be a top priority. There shouldn’t be any concerns of being assaulted or attacked in a stairwell, a parking lot, or any other public place. If a business or establishment fails to provide adequate security that led you or a loved one to suffer a violent crime or an assault, contact the law firm of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP. We have extensive experience recovering compensation on behalf of injured victims and can help you.
For more information on the types of negligent security and personal injury cases our firm takes, visit our Washington, D.C. personal injury practice area page to learn more.
Why Choose Our Firm?
- We fight hard for negligent security victims and have over 38 years of successfully obtaining compensation for our clients.
- Our team of Washington DC personal injury lawyers are well respected amongst their peers and many hold positions as leaders of local bar and trial associations.
- Money won’t be what stands in your way of getting justice, we never charge a fee unless we win.
Forms of Negligent Security in D.C.
Some of the most common reasons why assaults or attacks occur due to negligent security are:
- Poor or no lighting
- Lack of fencing or walls
- Malfunctioning locks
- Lack of or outdated security cameras
- Untrained or inexperienced security guards
- Improperly maintained landscape and bushes
- Lack of an alarm system
- Unmonitored parking lots
If adequate security measures are not taken and a crime occurs, it may be considered a foreseeable crime, meaning it potentially could have been avoided. In that case, Washington, D.C. premises liability laws are in place to hold the property owner accountable for any injuries.
Proving Negligence in a D.C. Negligent Security Claim
A person suing for negligent security will need to show that the property owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries. The victim, or plaintiff, will have to prove these facts:
- They were legally allowed on the property and the owner had a duty to provide reasonable security.
- The property owner breached their duty to provide reasonable security.
- The plaintiff was injured due to the lack of security.
- The plaintiff suffered financial losses due to the injury
When considering negligence, the court will take into account if the personal injury was foreseeable or not. For example, an injury may have been foreseeable if there had been multiple prior assaults in a parking lot and the property owner did not take action to attempt to prevent another from occurring. On the contrary, if there had been prior assaults and then a robbery occurred, the robbery may not have been foreseeable.
Why a D.C. Lawyer is Needed for Your Negligent Security Claim
Negligent security cases can be complicated to navigate without representation. Evidence and paperwork will need to be gathered to build a strong case that will prove negligence. A negligent security lawyer will have the resources necessary to investigate your claim on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovering from a potentially traumatizing incident. Your attorney will:
- Investigate the property and location of the crime.
- Examine any form of security the owner had in place, or lack thereof.
- Interview security guards on the property and any witnesses.
- Obtain information on any previous crimes committed in the area and on the property.
- Handle all settlement negotiations and represent you in court if need be.
Security experts may also be consulted to provide further evidence showing negligence to ensure that you receive the fair settlement you deserve.
Speak Our D.C. Negligent Security Lawyer Today
Contact our experienced attorney team at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today if you or a family member has been the victim of a crime that could have been prevented, if not for inadequate security. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation and case evaluation.
Koonz McKenney Johnson & Depaolis serve residents of Washington DC including those living in Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Downtown District of Columbia, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, and Mount Vernon.