Criminal activities can happen when you least expect them. A serious crime such as robbery can result in injuries since, in most cases, it involves the use of force to steal.
The responsible party can use various weapons such as a gun or knife to harm the victim physically. In 2019, 101,120 robbery casesinvolving strong-arms were reported in the United States.
Persons found liable for committing robbery face devastating consequences depending on the severity of the crime. Still, if there was negligence at the time of the robbery, the property’s owner may be liable for the injuries. As a result, most states require property owners to undertake reasonable measures to secure their premises.
However, these measures vary in different states, but owners may be held responsible for what happens within their premises. Read on for more insights.
What a Plaintiff Needs to Prove
A plaintiff who was injured during a robbery will need to prove that the property owner didn’t exercise reasonable care leading to the injuries. Additionally, the complainant will have to show evidence that they were present at the defendant’s property when the robbery happened.
In most states, foreseeability is a critical issue when handling negligent security cases. It’s based on similar robbery cases around the same location, which the owner should have known. For instance, if there were muggings at a nearby parking lot, the defendant should have foreseen the likelihood of a mugging incident happening in their property. The court can also look into how frequently the defendant called for law enforcement after a property crime.
Injuries Associated with Security Negligence
Negligent security measures in a defendant’s property can lead to minor or catastrophic injuries. Robbery victims can incur the following damages:
- Stab wounds
- Gunshot wounds
- Fractures
- Internal injuries
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Lacerations and punctures
- Head trauma
Some of the victims involved in robbery crimes may have to live with psychological eventualities such as panic attacks, depression, or fear of leaving their premises.
Expected Security Measures
What counts as sufficient security measures may differ depending on the property. Some standard measures include well-trained security patrols, functional security hardware, and enough lighting. If some of these measures were not in place during the crime, the property owner might be held liable for negligence. If you are a victim of a robbery around a particular premise, you can consult a lawyer to determine if there were adequate security measures.
Compensation for Damages
Victims who have suffered psychological or physical injuries after a robbery due to negligent security measures should be compensated. A complainant may have sustained the following damages:
- Mental suffering
- Physical pain
- Damage of stolen property
- Legal costs
- Loss of wages
- Travel expenses
If the property owner didn’t apply all the necessary security measures after a foreseeable crime, they need to compensate the victims. In other cases, the state can pay the victims after making other deductions they may have received for the damages. It mostly happens when the authorities haven’t found the offender. The victims will receive payments for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and permanent disadvantage.
Conclusion
Victims who have suffered injuries as a result of robbery may be liable for compensation. Note that negligent security applicability by the state is a vital element when determining a criminal case. If the landowner didn’t apply enough security measures to prevent a foreseeable crime, injured victims can file a lawsuit for economic and non-economic damages.
An experienced attorney can assist you in conducting a thorough investigation for proof of negligence. Additionally, they will negotiate with the insurer and defendant to fight for the settlement you deserve. They will also advise you on negligent security applicability by state.