When it comes to security, people expect to be safe in the places they visit, work, or live. However, negligent security claims arise when property owners fail to provide adequate protection against foreseeable criminal acts, leading to injuries, assault, or other harm. In Texas, victims of negligent security have the right to seek compensation for their damages. Here are some steps to investigate negligent security claims in Texas:
Gather Evidence
The first step in investigating a negligent security claim is to gather evidence. This may include photographs, video footage, police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documents that support your claim. Be sure to document the details of the incident as soon as possible, while they are still fresh in your memory.
Identify the Property Owner
The property owner is responsible for providing adequate security measures to protect visitors from harm. Identify the owner of the property where the incident occurred and determine if they breached their duty of care. If the owner is a business, check if they have security policies in place, such as surveillance cameras, security guards, or lighting.
Evaluate the Property’s Security Measures
Evaluate the security measures in place on the property. Did the owner take reasonable steps to protect visitors from harm? Were there any security lapses, such as broken locks, malfunctioning cameras, or inadequate lighting? If the owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm, they may be liable for your injuries.
Determine Foreseeability
Foreseeability is a critical element in a negligent security claim. This means that the property owner should have been aware of the potential danger and taken steps to prevent it. For instance, if the property has a history of criminal activity, the owner should have implemented measures to deter criminal behavior.
Seek Legal Advice
If you believe you have a claim for negligent security, seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney in Texas. They can evaluate your case, help you understand your legal options, and represent you in court if necessary.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
It’s crucial to understand the statute of limitations for filing a negligent security claim in Texas. The statute of limitations is the time limit for bringing a claim, and it varies depending on the type of claim and the circumstances of the case. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including negligent security, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It’s essential to consult with an attorney to understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case.
Calculate Damages
If you have suffered harm due to negligent security, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the incident. An experienced attorney can help you calculate your damages and negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
Prepare for Litigation
If negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. Litigation can be a long and complicated process, but an experienced attorney can guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.
Protect Your Rights
Throughout the investigation and legal process, it’s essential to protect your rights. This includes refraining from discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney, following your attorney’s advice, and documenting all communication related to your case.
Chavez Law Firm is an experienced personal injury law firm in Texas that can help victims of negligent security seek compensation for their damages. Here are some ways that we at Chavez Law Firm can assist you with your negligent security claim:
Investigate the Claim
Our attorneys can investigate your claim by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating the property’s security measures to determine if there was negligence. We can also work with experts, such as security professionals, to build a strong case.
Assess Damages
Our attorneys can help you calculate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the incident. We can also help you understand the value of your claim and negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
Represent You in Court
If negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, our attorneys can represent you in court. We have extensive experience in personal injury litigation, including negligent security claims, and can help you navigate the legal process.
Protect Your Rights
Throughout the investigation and legal process, our attorneys can protect your rights by providing legal advice, communicating with all parties involved, and advocating for your best interests.
At Chavez Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that negligent security incidents can have on victims and their families. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to help our clients seek the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help with your negligent security claim.