Premise liability cases at Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A. have our dedicated team of lawyers to fight for the rights of you and your loved ones. Maryland Law states that property owners have a duty to ensure that anyone on their premises is not the victim of preventable crimes. Providing protection and security measures prevents crimes born of opportunity, which could have been prevented by security cameras or even a simple motion-detected light. Safe living environments are a right for everyone, but property owners must be responsible for providing one for all tenants.
Baltimore’s Duty of Care for Landlords
In Maryland, premises liability law governs situations where a property owner or manager can be held responsible for an accident caused by a dangerous condition on the property. This legal obligation is not limited to common personal injuries but expands into providing a safe and secure environment to prevent criminal activity. Under these Maryland laws, property owners have a duty to take these measures to protect the people on their properties, and managers can be held liable for not informing property owners of maintaining these measures.
If a lack of these measures or lack of maintaining them so that they function correctly results in theft, assault, attempted murder, or worse, then the owner and manager could potentially be held responsible. A failure to prevent foreseeable crimes from happening on property leaves owners facing negligent security charges.
What is Negligent Security?
Negligent security occurs when a property owner fails to provide reasonable security measures, which result in injury or harm to a person on their property. These crimes could have been prevented or made less likely to occur with proper security measures in place.
Examples of Negligent Security in Baltimore Apartments
The victims of these crimes face life-altering consequences, and across Baltimore, the suffering of those victims can have some justice. A negligent security lawsuit can recover economic and noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. However, proving negligent security is more challenging. Victims must provide evidence that these were foreseeable crimes.
Indicators of negligent security are:
- Repeat crime in the neighborhood
- Lack of proper lighting
- Faulty security equipment
- Unqualified security personnel
- Missing Physical barriers
- Absence of emergency plans
Implementing these small measures to prevent crime and keep people on their property safe is the property owner’s duty. It’s not just about maintaining walkways but protecting the people who live at and visit the property.
What to Do if You’re Injured Due to Negligent Security
When a negligent security lawsuit is submitted, the Maryland and Baltimore courts must evaluate each claim based on the facts. The most critical factor is foreseeability, and the defendant's property owner must know about a significant risk of harm or injury. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a property owner’s negligence and carelessness, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Baltimore. These cases are complex for establishing negligent security but also ensuring that you receive all of the possible compensation you deserve.
Maryland Personal Injury Lawyers | SBWD Law
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A., our experienced team of lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injury victims in premise liability cases. You do not have to face these charges alone. Liability doesn’t fall to the property owner alone but to all parties responsible for the negligence. We must identify all of the parties responsible to maximize your compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered harm or criminal violence due to negligent security measures, contact us online or by calling (410) 685-2022 to help you navigate this difficult time.
