A business or property owner in Missouri may be liable for an injury or death suffered due to inadequate security. You may be wondering: Do I have a negligent security claim? The answer is “it depends”—you will need to prove that the business/property owner’s failure to provide better security was negligence and that it contributed to the attack. Here, our Kansas City premises liability attorney provides a comprehensive overview of negligent security claims in Missouri.
An Overview of Missouri’s Negligent Security Statute
A negligent security claim is a type of premises liability lawsuit. Property owners— businesses, landlords, etc.—have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts, such as assaults, robberies, or other attacks. If they fail to provide adequate security, they may be held liable for injuries suffered by visitors or tenants.
State law does impose some limitations on liability. Under Missouri law (RMSo § 537.787), a business/property owner has no legal duty “to guard against criminal acts or harmful acts on the premises” unless they have “reason to know that such acts are being committed or are reasonably likely to be committed in a particular area of the premises.” In other words, it is crucial that victims prove that a defendant knew or should have known of the risk. For example, a history of recent assaults in the area is evidence that a property owner should know of the risk.
Know the Statute of Limitations: Negligent Security Claims in Missouri
Premises liability cases—including negligent security claims—are time-sensitive. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is generally five years from the date of the incident. Even though that seems like plenty of time to take action, you do not want to fall behind the defendant/insurer in the claims process. Consult with a Kansas City negligent security lawyer right away.
Recovering Compensation through a Negligent Security Claim
Through a negligent security claim in Missouri, injured victims have the right to seek compensation for the full value of their damages. With that being said, these cases are generally defined by property insurance companies—and they fight hard to pay out as little as possible in settlement. A Kansas City lawyer can help. You may be entitled to recovery financial compensation for:
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room services;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Wrongful death.
You Case Should Be Reviewed By a Lawyer a Top Lawyer
Negligent security laws are complicated. It is not easy to know whether or not you have a viable civil claim against a business or property owner. Do not assume that you cannot get compensation. Your case should be reviewed by a top-tier Kansas City negligent security lawyer.
Get Help From Our Kansas City Negligent Security Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City premises liability attorney has the experience to handle all types of negligence security cases. If you have questions about your rights, we are more than ready to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. With an office in Kansas City, we handle negligent security claims throughout the surrounding region in Missouri.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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