An issue in a negligent security case is whether a commercial entity had a legal duty to provide reasonable security to a patron or other person.
One of the legal duties of Connecticut businesses and other commercial entities is to assess whether patrons could be in possible danger of violent criminal activity because of the location or nature of the business, or because of a history of criminal activity in the vicinity. Depending on the circumstances, the business may have a legal duty to provide reasonable security to patrons.
Examples of security could include lighting, warning signs, escorts to vehicles, security guards and more, depending on what is right for the particular situation.
Traditionally, these cases arise when people are assaulted or robbed in dark or isolated parking lots, ramps or ATMs. Victims may be able to sue the responsible commercial entity for negligent security, a variation of a type of suit called premises liability.
The Meek Mill concert example
According to an article in The Blast, a man who was shot near a 2016 Connecticut Meek Mill concert is trying to settle for $500,000 a negligent security suit against the musician, Roc Nation, Live Nation and the Oakdale Musical Theatre Company. Reportedly, he sued the defendants jointly along with the estate of another man who died in the shooting.
The plaintiffs say that Meek Mill had inadequate security, especially considering the violent lyrics of his songs and a history of gun violence at his concerts. The article notes that the complaint describes anxiety, pain, scarring, fear, shock and other trauma from the shooting.
Meek Mill has reportedly denied responsibility for the incident and asserts that it was not foreseeable.
Elements of negligent security
To show that a commercial entity is responsible for an injury based on negligent security, the plaintiff must show that the business had a duty of care toward the patron or other person lawfully on the premises; that the business breached that duty to provide reasonable security; and that the breach caused the injury.
A Connecticut negligent security victim can ask for damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, financial loss and more, depending on the injuries and losses.
Anyone who is injured because of inadequate security measures in a store, parking lot, entertainment venue or other commercial place should seek legal advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to understand whether a negligent security suit is an option or whether there may be other legal remedies.
The personal injury lawyers of Jacobs & Dow, LLC, in New Haven, represent the victims of negligent security across the state of Connecticut.