Colorado property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors. In many cases, this means providing adequate security such as functioning locks, adequate lighting, cameras, alarm systems, or even security guards.
When owners, managers, or tenants fail to secure their properties, innocent guests can sustain serious injuries. If you were injured on another’s property due to negligent security, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses.
The Denver negligent security attorneys of Olson Law Firm LLC have recovered millions of dollars in fair compensation for injury victims just like you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to learn more about how we can help you pursue the recovery you deserve.
What Is Negligent Security?
When a lack of adequate security contributes to a violent incident, assault, or injury, the victim may have grounds for a negligent security claim against the property owner or occupier. This type of claim falls under Colorado’s premises liability law, Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-21-115, which outlines the responsibility of property owners and occupiers to keep their property reasonably safe and free of hazards for legal visitors.
Under Colorado law, Denver property owners are expected to take reasonable security measures to keep their premises safe for others. Negligent security incidents can occur on residential, commercial, or public properties, such as:
- Hotels and motels
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Restaurants, bars, and clubs
- Shopping malls and outdoor shopping centers
- Public parking lots and parking garages
- Apartment complexes and condominium buildings
- Workplaces and office buildings
- Government facilities and public land
- Amusement and entertainment parks and resorts
- Sporting arenas, theaters, and concert venues
- Airports, train stations, and bus stations
- Public and private schools and universities
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities
How Can a Negligent Security Lawyer Help?
If you were injured in a negligent security incident in Denver, an experienced negligent security lawyer can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and the premises liability laws that may apply to your case
- Conducting an independent investigation into the incident to determine who was at fault and uncover valuable evidence to support your claim
- Managing important documents and legal deadlines related to your case
- Communicating with property owners, insurance companies, and other attorneys on your behalf
- Negotiating aggressively to maximize your compensation during settlement talks
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary
Common Examples of Negligent Security
The following examples of negligent security can increase the likelihood of dangerous incidents and serious injuries:
- Broken or malfunctioning security systems – When security systems such as cameras or alarms are missing, malfunctioning, or broken, property owners may be liable for incidents that occur as a result.
- Doors or gates that cannot be locked – If a door or gate to residential or commercial property has no functioning lock mechanism, it’s impossible to control who enters, and negligent security incidents are more likely.
- Blocked emergency exits or fire escapes – When fires and other crises occur, and emergency exits are inaccessible, building occupants may not be able to escape to safety and may suffer severe injuries as a result.
- Untrained, unqualified, or absent security guards – Some properties, such as bars and nightclubs, need security guards to keep patrons safe. When owners of these properties fail to provide security or hire unqualified guards, dangerous emergencies can occur, and visitors can get hurt.
- Broken or unlocked fences or gates – When the fence or gate surrounding property is damaged or improperly secured, trespassers may enter the property and harass or injure legal occupants and visitors.
- Lack of lighting or poor lighting – When building interiors or parking areas have poor lighting or no lighting at all, wrongdoers may feel emboldened to commit violent acts and other crimes.
- Failure to properly secure keys or alarm codes – If property owners or managers fail to keep duplicate keys or alarm codes safe, bad actors may swipe keys or access information and place lawful occupants and visitors at risk.
How Can Negligent Security Affect Me?
Depending on the circumstances, a negligent security incident can leave victims with physical trauma and other long-term consequences, including:
- Painful injuries that can result in expensive medical bills, challenging recoveries, and permanent or disabling injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional distress, and psychological issues
- Personal issues such as social isolation and withdrawal from loved ones
- Financial losses due to theft, property damage, and missed time at work
Injuries from Negligent Security Incidents
Negligent security can create conditions that increase the risk of violent incidents, sexual assaults, and other crimes that leave victims with painful and potentially life-altering injuries, such as:
- Gunshot and stab wounds
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and partial or total paralysis
- Fractured or dislocated bones
- Bruises, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Abdominal injuries and internal bleeding
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- PTSD and other psychological injuries
Who Can Be Held Liable for Negligent Security in Denver?
Those responsible for providing a reasonably safe property could include:
- A property owner – The property owner where the negligent security incident occurred might be liable if they failed to reasonably or regularly maintain, inspect, or secure their premises.
- A business owner or manager – The owner or manager of a business where a negligent security incident occurs might be at fault if they neglect to secure business entrances or install proper security measures.
- A renter – An apartment, condominium, or business tenant may be responsible if they failed to secure the access points to their property and a negligent security incident occurred as a result.
- A security company – A security guard or company may be liable for a negligent security incident if they fail to monitor the premises or address known potential threats properly.
- A government agency – If a negligent security incident occurs on government property, the victim may be able to file a claim against the negligent government agency responsible for overseeing the property.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Negligent Security Case?
Like all states, Colorado imposes strict limits on the amount of time you have to take legal action on injury claims. Colorado’s statute of limitations law outlines these time limits.
When it comes to personal injury cases, such as negligent security cases, Colorado law provides victims with up to two years to file a lawsuit in civil court. This two-year period begins on the date when the incident occurred. If you fail to take action before the deadline expires, you will lose your right to sue and hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact Our Denver Negligent Security Lawyer Today
When you need an inadequate security lawyer in Denver, look no further than Olson Law Firm LLC. Our trusted Denver personal injury attorneys and legal team are ready to support you every step of the way as you pursue justice and fair compensation for your losses.
Contact us today to get started with your free consultation and claim review.