Massachusetts Personal Injury Library

Who Pays the Bill for Inadequate Mall Security? (Part B)

While closed-circuit cameras (CCVT) may be prominently displayed, they may not be working, or if they are, they may not be monitored on a continuous basis. Some desperate offenders won’t be deterred by being identified on camera anyway, and will boldly commit robberies, assault or rape when the time is right. Even when guard patrols do sweep the area, criminals can anticipate a window of opportunity that allow them to conceal their crimes. The operational condition and type of camera system in place when you were injured could be crucial to a potential lawsuit. For instance, part-time or remote monitoring, while cost-effective, may be less than effective for disclosing a certain percentage of security breaches.

Manpower is a big expense, and some shopping centers may opt to use fewer guards with less training as a way to stretch their security staff dollars. Even if property patrols don’t apprehend many offenders, they do deter crime. Cutting down on security staff could be seen by the court as an unacceptable risk to customers.

Devices as simple as light bulbs can also be the targets of reduced mall budgets, and the contributors to a dangerous environment. Some maintenance policies allow lights to go out before replacing them. This could also color a judge’s or jury’s opinion of mall management’s performance of its duty to the public.

Are Cutbacks Responsible for Your Attack at the Mall?

If you were abducted from a poorly lit parking lot or robbed at an ATM that was not protected by a security camera, you may be able to prove negligence by the property owner or manager. If security personnel were unresponsive, the contractor in charge may be named in a lawsuit.

Premises liability law protects your right to safety while making a transaction or simply browsing in the mall. Call an attorney in your area to learn whether inadequate mall security may have been a factor in your personal injury that you can prove in court.

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 premises liability cases? 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.