If you have been assaulted in a parking lot or lost a loved one in a deadly parking lot attack, you may be wondering who can be held liable for your losses. Of course, the perpetrator is responsible for the harm they caused, but you may not be able to identify and locate them and even if you do, they probably won’t have the means to pay. In many cases the parking lot owner or business owner can be held liable for providing inadequate security. An experienced premises liability attorney can determine if you have a case.
Duty to Provide a Safe Environment
Business and property owners have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for customers, employees, visitors and guests. This requirement extends to providing adequate security in their parking lots and parking garages. Parking lots and structures are where most crimes occur at businesses, including the majority of:
- Assaults
- Kidnappings
- Rapes
- Robberies
- Murders
Foreseeability is Key
Businesses have a duty to make a reasonable effort provide protection from violent in their parking lots. The key to establishing liability is proving foreseeability. Businesses in high crime areas or that have history of attacks in their parking lots are expected to take stronger security measures because they know, or should know, that violent attacks are likely. They must respond appropriately to known threats. And the type of business can be an element of foreseeability.
If you were harmed in a parking lot, and you believe that it was the result of inadequate security, please talk to an experienced premises liability attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
Please, contact an experienced premises liability attorney right away to learn more about your rights and right away.