Negligent Security Attorney in Albuquerque

Albuquerque Negligent Security Lawsuits

New Mexico property owners must provide individuals lawfully on their premises with some degree of safety. Many people and entities, however, fail to adequately secure their properties, which can lead to otherwise preventable harm. The seasoned injury attorneys at Parnall Law Firm provide compassionate and experienced representation to crime victims in Albuquerque and surrounding areas. We can help you seek damages from a property owner if negligent security on their premises caused harm.

Negligent Security Can Have Serious Consequences

New Mexico had 11,660 incidents of violent crime in 2012, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Aggravated assaults accounted for 75 percent of this number. Robberies only accounted for 16 percent, but nearly 60 percent of all the robberies in the state were committed in Albuquerque.

Many of these offenses may have occurred because certain property conditions made it easier for criminals to prey on their victims. These types of negligent security include:

  • Poor lighting in and around the premises, particularly at night
  • Inadequate surveillance in parking lots and alleys
  • Insufficient or poorly trained security guards
  • Lack of security and surveillance cameras

Hold Property Owners Accountable for Damages

When a property owner’s carelessness facilitates a crime, the victim may take action against the person or company in control of the premises to recover compensation. This is usually done in the form of a negligence claim.

New Mexico property owners have a duty to keep their premises in reasonably safe conditions for visitors. This responsibility includes protecting people legally there from foreseeable third-party actions. If there is an increase in the number of robberies in the area, for example, a property owner must inspect the area for any problems with its security and take steps to adequately fix them. If a defective condition is not resolved, the property owner likely will be found to have breached its duty of care. The victim of a crime committed on the premises can hold the person or entity in control of them accountable if this breach has a sufficiently direct relation to the criminal action itself.

People can suffer tremendous physical and psychological harm as a result of an assault, robbery, or similar conduct. You can seek damages for your injuries from a property owner if a negligent security condition led to the crime. If you prevail in your claim, you may be compensated for the cost of your medical care and treatment, any loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. If you have a relative who died as a result of a crime, you can pursue a lawsuit for wrongful death against a property owner. New Mexico gives victims and their families three years to file a claim.

Special New Mexico Regulations on Convenience Stores

New Mexico has adopted regulations to protect against crimes at convenience stores. These rules require that owners of these properties comply with certain security standards, including:

  • Installation of exterior lighting to ensure that parking lots, walkways, gas pump areas, and exits and entrances are clearly visible at night
  • Periodic employee training on safety and crime prevention
  • The presence of two employees during the overnight shift, bullet-proof enclosures, or security personnel
  • Installation and routine maintenance of security surveillance systems

A violation of these regulations may be a sign that the convenience store owner has breached its duty of care. If a crime is committed on the property as a result of a negligent security condition, the victim may seek to hold the owner liable.

Experienced Albuquerque Attorney Skilled in Negligence Cases and Injury Claims

Based in Albuquerque, Bert Parnall and the injury lawyers at Parnall Law Firm provide dedicated assistance to victims of crime. If a negligent property owner failed to take the necessary measures to protect you, we can help. Our lawyers can go over the facts of your case, discuss which parties may have contributed to the crime, and aggressively pursue your right to justice. For a free and confidential consultation, please call us today at 505-985-5355 or contact us through our online form.

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