Office workers should feel safe in their environment, with the confidence that they won’t be harmed while doing their jobs. In many places, however, these workers are put at unnecessary risk. Poor security allows office employees to be victimized by criminals, leaving them with serious injuries. The costs associated with these injuries, such as medical bills, should not be on the victim’s shoulders.
If you were the victim of crime at your office, call an experienced Atlanta negligent security lawyer today. The Law Office of W. Calvin Smith, II, P.C. is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Do Property Owners Fail Office Workers?
Office building owners and property managers have a responsibility to implement basic safety measures. This includes keeping the premises secure from criminal activity. The larger the property, the more security is generally required. The same is true if other circumstances warrant the need for stronger measures, including:
- The nature of the business (e.g. one that deals with financial or other sensitive data)
- The location of the office (e.g. if it’s in a high-crime area)
- Whether there have been security incidents in the past
- How many employees work there
Unfortunately, not all property owners take their responsibilities seriously. There are many ways that workers can be harmed while either at work or coming and going from the office. Steps can be taken to prevent, deter, or minimize the likelihood of such harm. However, implementing these steps requires money and time, which too many property owners would rather not spend.
Georgia premises liability law requires a property owner or manager to take reasonable measures to provide for security. When they don’t, office workers can be needlessly assaulted, raped, or victimized in other ways.
What Are Examples of Negligent Security at an Office?
Consider some common ways that office employees may become victims of crime at their jobs:
- Unguarded and unlocked doors
- Poorly lit hallways, stairways, parking lots, and parking decks
- Unfinished, newly constructed, and renovated floors
- Areas of the office with few people present
- Lack of surveillance cameras
- Insufficient or poorly trained security
- Lack of emergency planning, for instance to lockdown the building in case of an active shooter
When these and other safety and security means are lacking, office workers can become crime victims. Assault, battery, rape, sexual assault, and robbery are all common crimes in office areas lacking adequate security. The victim can suffer severe injuries from guns, knives, blunt objects, or even trying to escape the assailant. Had the office been more secure, the incident may not have happened.
What Kinds of Damages Can Victims Seek?
If you or a loved one have been harmed because of negligent office security, you could incur significant losses. If the owner is held legally liable you can ask a court to order the party to pay such damages as:
- Medical bills, including for future treatments
- Lost wages to cover time missed while being treated for injuries
- Lost earning capacity (if unable to return to the same level of productivity)
- Physical and emotional suffering
- Property damage
Call an Atlanta Negligent Security Lawyer to Discuss Your Case
Were you a victim of crime at your office? It’s important that you contact an experienced Atlanta negligent security lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury and work on building a case. If possible, a settlement may be reached with the premises liability carrier that insures the property.
But our team is also ready to go to court if necessary. We handle the legal work so you can focus on recovering and providing for your family. Reach out to The Law Office of W. Calvin Smith, II, P.C. today.
