Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Lawsuits Arise over Negligent Security at ATMs (Part B)
Negligent Security Costs Businesses More Than It Saves
Safety requirements vary by state, with some preventive measures mandatory and others voluntary. Some banks or businesses don’t bother to install security cameras or 9-1-1 buttons at ATM sites in order to save money, but they are finding lawsuit settlements and damage payments much more costly than security equipment.
That is as it should be, according to crime victims and their families. While these individuals may pursue lawsuits to cover medical expenses, they also do so to punish ATM operators. With awards in the millions of dollars, lawsuits pose a much larger budget threat than security technology to managers of banks and ATM store locations. In addition to putting a large dent in their profits, a single lawsuit could threaten their ability to do future business.
Damage awards are based on the severity of the victims’ injuries and resultant loss of wages, health or peace of mind. In the case of a shooting robbery ending in death, the financial reparation sum can be staggering even when spread among multiple parties. Charges might include negligent security and wrongful death against the property owner, franchise owner, contractors and/or negligent service personnel.
Victims of robbery, physical attacks, assault with a weapon and sexual assault have all successfully sued banks. The stories of violent crimes are shocking and sensational to the banking public, which raises awareness of their personal risks-and their rights. As more people realize that they can recover damages through premises liability lawsuits, more ATM operators will place a higher priority on machine security. Lawyers who practice personal injury, wrongful death, negligent security or premises liability will know whether a victim has a case under their state.
When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained, and do you have experience with cases involving inadequate security at ATMs? The Kiley Law Group, a law firm in Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
