Being assaulted at a parking lot, gas station, or any other premises can be traumatizing. Besides suffering bodily harm, victims often suffer life-changing psychological trauma. When the attack is caused by negligent security practices by the property owner or manager, victims can file a civil case for compensation.
Filing a negligent security claim involves pursuing legal recourse for the losses due to an injury, loss of property, or wrongful death.
All property owners must guarantee a safe environment for visitors by mitigating foreseeable risks for harm or criminal activity. So, when someone is injured or killed due to negligent security measures, a Richmond premises liability lawyer can help.
Generally speaking, there are two legal avenues through which compensation can be achieved in a negligent security claim. Our Richmond negligent security lawyers from Lone Star Injury Attorneys review them below:
Filing a Claim with Insurance Companies
Many personal injury cases are first resolved through insurance companies. The process is no different in negligent security claims. Because property owners usually carry insurance coverage to cover incidents on their premises, victims of negligent security can file a claim with these insurers.
While you can spearhead the claim process alone, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer in Richmond is the best decision you can make. The first step involves determining liability and reviewing the insurance policies applicable to your case. Your attorney will gather all necessary evidence and initiate the claim process by drafting a demand letter addressed to the insurer.
The letter entails the circumstances of the incident, the injuries sustained, the losses incurred, and the amount of compensation the claimant seeks. In many cases, insurance companies will settle here by making a settlement offer from which back-and-forth negotiations begin.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent security lawyer serving Richmond, call (832) 449-8230
Filing a Lawsuit
Another viable avenue for compensation is filing a lawsuit in a court of law. If negotiations with insurance companies fail to yield a satisfactory settlement for the claimant, they may take the matter to court. Although many personal injury claims are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies, some go to trial.
To file a lawsuit in Texas, the plaintiff, with the help of a personal injury lawyer, drafts a complaint similar to a demand letter. The defendant (party at fault) answers by accepting or denying the allegations made. This marks the beginning of the claim process. Both parties make their case before a judge or jury before a ruling is made.
Unlike an out-of-court settlement, the trial process is long, tedious, expensive, and more complicated. For these reasons, you need a dedicated and trial-experienced Richmond negligent security attorney who can handle the process on your behalf.
Richmond Negligent Security Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Wrongful Death in Negligent Security Incidents
Wrongful death is another common occurrence in negligent security incidents. According to an FBI crime report, a murder occurs every 33 minutes in the United States.
Unfortunately, some of them stem from negligence by property owners who fail to observe industry-standard security measures on their premises.
If a loved one is killed under circumstances involving assault or attack due to negligent security, you may pursue legal action against the property owner. Wrongful death claims seek to compensate the deceased’s surviving estate for damages such as:
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Physical pain and suffering for the deceased before their passing
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of dependency
- Lost financial income
A seasoned Richmond negligent security lawyer can help demonstrate that the property owner had a duty to provide a safe environment to your loved one but failed to do so. Your legal team will also review the applicable premises liability laws in your area to help prove liability.
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Recoverable Costs in a Negligent Security Case
Generally speaking, you can recover any costs directly related to the negligent security incident. You should keep a proper record of every economic and non-economic loss you suffer.
The following are some of the most common recoverable costs in a negligent security claim:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Permanent disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
Additionally, the degree of liability for each party involved will also impact the value of your claim. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help establish the total compensation you deserve.
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Get in Touch with a Richmond Negligent Security Attorney Today
Our negligent security lawyers in Richmond are available to discuss your legal prospects for compensation. Don’t hesitate to schedule a case review with our dedicated team.
To get started, call our firm today for a free consultation. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we are happy to serve you.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form