If you have found yourself on this page, chances are you or someone close to you has been hurt on someone else’s property because of poor or missing security. You may be feeling overwhelmed, unsure of what steps to take next, and worried about who is responsible. Please know that your feelings are valid, and you are not alone. When security fails and someone gets hurt, it can feel like a terrible betrayal. This kind of injury does not just hurt physically. It also causes stress, fear, and a deep sense of injustice. That is where we come in. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to help guide you forward with care and understanding.
What Is Negligent Security
Negligent security happens when a property owner does not take proper care to keep people safe from harm. Property owners, including store managers, landlords, and business owners, must make sure their property is safe. If they know or should know that a crime could happen, and they do nothing to stop it, that is negligent security. If someone gets hurt because of that lack of care, the injured person may be able to bring a personal injury case.
Negligent security can happen anywhere. This includes parking garages, apartment complexes, shopping centers, hotels, or office buildings. Some common problems are broken locks, no security cameras, no proper lighting, and no security guards. When these issues are ignored, people can become victims of crimes such as assault, robbery, or worse.
What You Have to Show in a Negligent Security Case
In a personal injury case involving negligent security, you must show that the property owner was careless. This means proving several things to show that the owner failed to act responsibly and that this failure led to your injury.
First, you must show that the property owner had a duty to keep you safe. If you were invited onto the property as a customer, tenant, or visitor, then the owner likely had this duty. Second, you must show that the property owner did not keep the property safe. Maybe the owner knew about crimes in the area but didn’t do anything to protect people. Maybe security cameras were broken or never put in place, or lights were out for weeks. Third, you have to show that this lack of safety is what allowed the crime to happen. That connection is very important. Lastly, you must prove that you were harmed because of it, whether it was physical injury, emotional trauma, or financial loss.
Evidence That Can Help Prove Negligent Security
Strong evidence can make or break your case. You need proof that shows how the property was unsafe and how that led to your injury. Photos or videos of the property are very helpful, especially if they show broken lights, missing locks, or signs of forced entry. If there is video footage from a surveillance camera, that can be important too.
Police reports also play a big part. If you were attacked, chances are the police were called. The report might show what happened and where it took place. It can also show if there have been other crimes in the area, which helps prove that the property owner should have been aware of the danger.
Witnesses can be a big help as well. If someone saw what happened or knows about the conditions on the property, their words can support your case. Medical records are also used to show how badly you were hurt and what care you needed. Lastly, crime reports from local police departments can be used to show how often crime happens in or near the property. If the area had a history of crime and the property owner did nothing, that helps prove your case.
Why Property Owners Must Act When They Know About Danger
In South Carolina, property owners are responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe. If they know the area is dangerous or if there has been crime on or near their property before, they must act. This means they must take steps like hiring security guards, fixing broken gates, installing cameras, or improving lighting. If they do nothing and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible.
A big part of proving negligent security is showing that the crime was something the owner should have expected. This is called foreseeability. If a crime had happened there before, or if the area has high crime rates, the owner should not be surprised if another one happens. If they ignore these warnings, they are being careless.
How a Legal Team Can Help Build Your Case
If you are recovering from an injury caused by poor security, handling a legal case may seem like too much to take on. That’s why having the right legal help matters. A strong legal team can gather the right evidence, talk to witnesses, work with experts, and study the laws that apply to your case. They can help build a case that shows the property owner’s failure and how it hurt you.
A legal team will also talk to insurance companies and fight for fair compensation. That may include money to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. They will look at every detail to make sure your story is told clearly and strongly.
Steps You Should Take After a Negligent Security Injury
If you are ever hurt because of poor security, your safety and health come first. Get medical help right away, even if your injury seems small at first. Some injuries show up later, and seeing a doctor also helps your case.
You should also report the crime to the police and to the property owner. This creates a record of what happened. If you can, take photos of the scene, your injuries, and anything else that shows how the property was unsafe. If there were any witnesses, try to get their names and contact information.
Do not talk to the property owner’s insurance company without legal advice. They may try to offer you money right away, but that amount may not be enough to cover all your costs. It is better to wait and speak with someone who understands your rights and can guide you.
What You Can Receive in a Negligent Security Case
When you win a negligent security case, the goal is to get you compensation. This can include medical bills, therapy costs, lost income from time you missed at work, and money for pain, fear, and emotional suffering. If your injuries are long-lasting, you may also be able to receive help for future care and lost earnings.
In some cases, if the property owner was very careless or ignored many warnings, a court may award extra money called punitive damages. This is meant to punish the owner and stop others from doing the same thing.
Why Time Matters When You Have a Case
There is something called a statute of limitations. This is a deadline for how long you have to bring a case. In South Carolina, that deadline is usually three years from the date of the injury. If you wait too long, you may not be able to get any help at all. That is why it is so important to act quickly. The sooner you begin, the easier it is to collect the right evidence and protect your rights.
You Do Not Have to Face This Alone
Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury is hard enough. When it happens because someone else failed to keep you safe, the pain can feel even heavier. But you do not have to carry it all by yourself. If you are wondering what to do after being hurt due to poor or missing security, now is the time to reach out for help.
Our team at McCutchen Vaught Geddie & Hucks, P.A. has helped many people just like you take back control of their lives. We know how to handle these cases, and we treat every client with care and respect. You deserve answers. You deserve justice. You deserve support that is steady and strong. Contact us today to schedule a free conversation about your case. Let us help you move forward with confidence.