Wilmington Inadequate Security Lawyer

Inadequate or negligent security involves a property owner’s failure to take reasonable safety measures to protect visitors from foreseeable harm, like criminal activity.

If you’ve been harmed as a result of inadequate security in Wilmington, you may have grounds to pursue compensation for your injuries, lost income, pain, emotional suffering, and more. The inadequate security lawyers at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, are committed to advocating for people harmed due to negligent security on someone else’s property. We’re ready to help you seek maximum compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Wilmington premises liability lawyer.

Why You Need Help from Our Wilmington Inadequate Security Attorneys

Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC brings over 40 years of experience and three generations of legal advocacy to every case we handle. As one of North Carolina’s most respected personal injury law firms, we’ve built a reputation for fighting for people harmed by inadequate security and other types of negligence.

From securing expert testimony to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle even the most complex premises liability cases. We take pride in providing compassionate, client-centered service and have recovered millions for our clients.

When you work with us, you’ll receive personalized attention, regular updates about your case, and access to resources that support your recovery. Many of our past clients have provided testimonials describing their positive experiences with our firm. For example, one of our previous clients wrote:

“I recommend Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC because of their service – people there care! I’ve been pleased with how the office explains everything, everyone is nice, helpful, and makes you feel like family.” – B.T. from Laurinburg

What Is a Property Owner’s Duty to Provide Security?

Property owners in North Carolina have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. That includes taking steps to protect people from foreseeable harm, like criminal activity. When a property owner, occupant, or other responsible party fails to meet this duty, they could be held liable for injuries caused by criminal activity on the property.

The exact level of required reasonable security measures varies based on several factors, such as the type of property, its location, and the likelihood of criminal activity. For example, a hotel in a high-crime area may need to install surveillance cameras, provide adequate lighting, and hire security guards to ensure guest safety. Similarly, an apartment complex may be expected to maintain functional locks on doors and gates to reduce the risk of intrusions.

Under premises liability law, property owners must anticipate potential threats and provide adequate security measures to protect visitors. If they fail to do so, they may be liable for an injured victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.

If you’ve been harmed because of negligent security, an experienced inadequate security attorney at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can review your claim and explain your legal options for a negligent security lawsuit.

Common Locations Where Inadequate Security Liability Arises in Wilmington

Negligent security often happens in public or semi-public spaces, including:

• Apartment complexes – Poor lighting, broken security gates, and a lack of security cameras can invite criminal activity like break-ins and assaults.
• Hotels and motels – Hospitality businesses have a responsibility to protect their guests from break-ins, assaults, and other foreseeable criminal activity.
• Bars, clubs, and restaurants – Bars, restaurants, and clubs have a higher likelihood of certain crimes, including theft and assault.
• Shopping malls, retail stores, and parking garages – Without proper lighting and security patrols, shopping center and parking garage visitors may experience break-ins, assault, theft, and other crimes.
• Other high-risk locations – Schools, office buildings, and healthcare facilities are also vulnerable to crime. Without security measures — including cameras, security officers, appropriate lighting, and locks — both workers and visitors lack protection against criminal activity.

The list is not exhaustive. Inadequate security can affect many types of property. If you were harmed due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be able to hold the property owner liable and recover compensation for your injuries and related losses.

Incidents Caused by Negligent or Inadequate Security

Negligent or inadequate security can lead to devastating incidents that leave victims physically and emotionally scarred. Common examples include:

• Assault and battery
• Sexual assault and rape
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Theft
• Vandalism
• Building and vehicle break-ins

While no property owner can protect against all criminal actions, proper security measures like cameras, patrols, lights, and locks can go a long way toward safeguarding visitors and residents.

How to Prove a Property Owner Provided Inadequate Security

To prove a property owner provided inadequate security, you must show that their negligence directly contributed to the harm you suffered.

First, you must show that they owed you a duty to provide appropriate security. The duty usually extends to anyone lawfully on their property. Next, you must show that the owner failed in their duty. That typically includes demonstrating a lack of security measures or otherwise failing to address known safety concerns. Crime statistics, prior incidents, and complaints from other residents or visitors could help prove there was a foreseeable risk of harm.

Third, you’ll need to prove that the lack of security measures directly contributed to your injuries. For example, if your apartment’s security gate is broken, that could enable break-ins, assaults, and other criminal activity. Finally, you must show that you suffered actual harm due to the inadequate security.

While proving inadequate security can be complicated, the inadequate security lawyers at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC can help gather evidence to build a strong negligent security case.

Compensation You Could Recover in an Inadequate Security Case

Compensation for negligent security claims often includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Property damage

In rare cases, punitive damages may be available. That happens only when the property owner’s negligence is particularly egregious.

How Our Lawyers Help Victims of Inadequate Security in Wilmington

Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC’s negligent security lawyers can help you hold negligent property owners accountable. We start by thoroughly investigating your claim. We’ll gather evidence like surveillance videos, crime reports, and witness statements to establish liability.

Our team often works with experts to determine how the property owner’s failure to provide adequate security contributed to your injuries. Throughout the process, we keep you informed so you can focus on your recovery. We’ll relentlessly pursue the maximum compensation you deserve, whether through settlement negotiations or at trial.

If you’ve been harmed by negligent security, contact us today for a free initial consultation.