New Jersey Negligent Security Lawyers
Experienced Negligent Security Attorneys Represent Injured Clients in Monmouth County, Union County, and Throughout NJ
If you are spending a fun evening out at a restaurant, nightclub, or bar, you expect that you will be able to enjoy your night instead of having to worry about the dangers that could be associated with these areas. In New Jersey, these spaces where individuals enjoy time every night and weekend are not guaranteed safety. Though they do not have to ensure that measures are taken for the safety of patrons and invitees, they are required to take steps to prevent serious accidents and injuries to those who have been invited to their business.
Every year, a variety of assaults, sexual assaults, robberies, and many other types of attacks happen on our roadways for many reasons. Though we like to think that we are safe in public areas, these incidents continue to happen every year, putting lives at risk and causing serious injuries to those involved. These incidents sometimes happen in areas where there is little to no security even though it is expected, or when there is improper lighting in certain areas.
Get Free Advice From An Experienced Premises Liability Lawyer. All You Have To Do Is Call 973-845-4421 or Fill Out Our Free Case Evaluation Form.
Because tensions can sometimes be high and many people are out drinking in bars and nightclubs, New Jersey laws state that these areas have a high duty of care to provide a reasonably safe establishment for those inside. This means that it is up to the owners and operators of these areas to protect their patrons from serious injury and life-threatening activity that could have been foreseen. Here is an example: If a bar is in a high-crime area and the nightclub does not take reasonable measures to ensure that they have proper security, and somebody ends up getting robbed inside the nightclub, there is a chance that the nightclub could be held liable if they did not take reasonable measures to ensure proper security.
Was the Likelihood of Criminal Activity Foreseeable?
On television shows, we sometimes see establishments where popular reality show individuals drink too much alcohol and then fight one another or fight with other patrons in bars. This is an example of how bars sometimes act with negligence when they allow these criminal acts to continue. If you receive serious and life-threatening injuries as a result of the establishment’s failure to provide adequate security, you could have a claim. However, there are several factors that must be present:
- Number of security guards the establishment had present
- Previous assaults in this area
- Lighting in the nightclub
Both commercial and residential landowners sometimes owe a duty of care to others in accordance with laws dictating adequate security. For example, if you are living in a college dormitory or visiting a bar, you cannot legally take any security measures on your own. This is why it is up to the college or owner of the bar to provide this security, especially if they believe there are risks in that particular area or their bar experienced attacks in the past. This is especially true to the latter. If a bar knows that their establishment has been rife with crime in the past, they must take certain measures to ensure the safety of others in the future. Because they knew about these incidents, if they do nothing to stop crime in the area, they could be facing a lawsuit when harm is caused.
Find Out What Your Case Is Worth – Call 973-845-4421 or Fill Out Our Free Case Evaluation Form.
What Counts as Adequate Security on a Property?
This can only be determined on a case-by-case analysis, which means that a bar or nightclub owner has to pay close attention to trends and determine what is best for preventing crime at their business. There are many types of safety features that can be implemented in these areas such as trained security patrols around the perimeter of a bar when guests are expected to be on the property, having appropriate lighting in the nightclub and outside, functioning security hardware such as locks when they are needed, and many other related aspects. In some cases, it might be as simple as installing a security camera in various areas, especially to catch criminals after an event has happened that has gone unforeseen.
When is it Time to Consult an Attorney?
If you have been attacked or otherwise injured in a bar or nightclub, a good indicator is if you try to consult the owner about what has happened to you and they brush you off or admit that there is no security on the perimeter. This is when it is imperative to speak with an attorney, especially if you believe the company took absolutely no measures to protect you and others from harm. An attorney can help you evaluate your claim from the very beginning, learning the facts and details of your case and helping you gather evidence to show that negligent security is a reality for a business that should have taken proper steps to protect its patrons. At Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, our experienced attorneys are skilled in handling negligent security cases and helping you obtain the results you deserve after a serious attack. If you have been harmed and you believe somebody could be liable for your injuries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us and contact us today at 973-845-4421.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Negligent Security
When it comes to negligent security cases in New Jersey, you must be able to show that the defendant (bar owner, tavern owner, etc.) deviated from the standards they should have followed to avoid significant harm in their bar or nightclub. You as the plaintiff must be able to show that the burden was on the defendant to protect you and others from harm by providing adequate security in the area.
After somebody has been injured, they might take the time to heal before they come to terms with what has happened to them and how they will move forward. However, you want to act as quickly as possible to retain your rights during this time before evidence starts to fade away. If you act quickly, you will be able to begin a prompt investigation with the help of your attorney, such as discovering what type of security was on staff the night of your incident, who was working at the time, speak with any witnesses who might have seen the event, and find out any training that security had. From there, you will be able to work toward the compensation you deserve.
