Atlanta has a thriving nightlife, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and similar places to choose from. Unfortunately, there’s a criminal element that is often attracted to these establishments. Innocent people are sometimes victimized at bars and nightclubs, frequently as a result of poor security.
Property owners have the obligation to take reasonable steps to keep their patrons safe. When they don’t, victims and their families may have the right to pursue a negligent security lawsuit. The Law Office of W. Calvin Smith, II, P.C. is ready to serve you.
What Happens When Safety and Security Are Neglected?
Most people visit bars and nightclubs to socialize, celebrate a special event, or simply have a good time. Most of the time, patrons will end up enjoying themselves without incident.
However, there are some people who visit bars and nightclubs with the intention of causing problems. Others go and allow themselves to get out of hand when they drink too much or cross paths with the wrong person. The combination of alcohol, crowds, and criminal elements can be combustible, with innocent guests being harmed.
If a bar or nightclub fails to have reasonable safety or security measures, a fight could break out. Either directly or indirectly, others can be assaulted and suffer serious injury. If knives or firearms are added to the mix, the injuries could even be fatal. Assaults are also possible outside the establishment, for example in the parking lot. In other cases, guests are sexually assaulted inside or outside the bar or nightclub.
Negligent security has real consequences, sometimes deadly ones, for patrons. Everyone who visits a bar or nightclub, however, has the right to expect they will be kept reasonably safe. Georgia’s premises liability law requires property owners to take reasonable steps to keep guests safe. The failure to do so could lead to a negligent security claim being filed against the property owner.
What Are Some Examples of Negligent Security at Bars and Nightclubs?
A victim of assault, battery, rape, or other criminal activity has to prove the establishment was somehow negligent. It helps to understand some common examples of negligent security at these places, such as:
- Lack of security personnel (such as a bouncer) on the premises
- Inadequate security or a lack of training
- The absence of video surveillance that could deter crime
- Staff refusing to take action before a dangerous situation escalates
- Lack of lighting inside or outside the establishment where assault can take place
- Lack of metal detectors and other measures to keep weapons out
Every negligent security case has to be evaluated on its own individual facts. There are often broader circumstances surrounding a particular attack or injury that may indicate negligence.
For instance, if an establishment is located in a high-crime area, it may need to take additional security measures. The same is true if the property has experienced crime in the past. Failure to respond to such situations (e.g. by hiring more security) may be evidence of negligence.
How Our Firm Can Help With Your Negligent Security Case
Being injured in a bar, nightclub, or similar business could cause you to incur significant losses. Medical bills, lost time from work, and pain and suffering are just some examples.
Let our firm investigate the facts surrounding your injury. We can handle the legal paperwork necessary to seek compensation while you recover. Connect with The Law Office of W. Calvin Smith, II, P.C. to learn more today.
