Under the doctrine of premises liability, all property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their property is safe and comfortable for everyone who lives there, or who visits as a guest. This includes the duty to ensure there is adequate security to prevent foreseeable criminal activity. Here are seven security issues that can potentially cause premises liability accidents:
- Inadequate lighting
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- One of the most common security issues seen in premises liability accidents is a lack of lighting in public areas, including hallways, stairwells, and parking lots. This includes both a failure to install lighting, as well as a failure to replace broken bulbs.
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- Lack of security cameras
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- Property owners are generally expected to have security cameras to record potential criminal activity. This helps discourage criminals who know they may be watched, and helps to catch criminals who get recorded in the act.
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- Failure to install or repair locks
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- Another common security issue is when property owners fail to install locks, or repair broken locks, on doors leading into their building or into private residences. While a lock may not mean much to a dedicated criminal, it can be enough of a deterrent to keep out vagrants, burglars, and others who might otherwise be inclined to trespass.
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- Failure to install bars over windows
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- In high crime areas where break-ins are common, it is considered a normal part of security to install bars over windows. This can prevent burglars from breaking in, and prevent other crimes such as home invasions, protecting residents from harm.
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- Lack of security guards
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- Hiring security guards can also be an important part of addressing potential security issues. Not only are criminals less likely to act when there are guards around, but they can intervene directly if they witness someone being assaulted or robbed.
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- Missing or non-functioning alarm system
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- Alarm systems are also a customary part of any security setup for most property owners. These can help to alert to a potential break-in, acting as further deterrence against criminals and ensuring police can act quickly in response to robberies and other criminal activity.
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- Failure to address previous known issues
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- Finally, it is always a serious problem when a property owner is told of security issues but fails to address them in a timely manner. This puts residents and guests at increased risk of harm, potentially leading to premises liability issues.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in personal injury cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
