Filing A Negligent Security Lawsuit In Pennsylvania

Going out at night in Pennsylvania might seem like a great way to blow off some steam, meet new people, and see some interesting live music. However, it can also prove to be quite dangerous. It’s no secret that many assaults and robberies occur late at night, and some businesses attract more crime than others. So what should you do if you have been violently assaulted, abused, or robbed while visiting an establishment in Pennsylvania? Is it true that you can sue?

If you’d like to explore your legal options, your best bet is to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania. With help from one of these legal professionals, you can approach this difficult situation in a highly confident, efficient manner. First, you can explain your unique circumstances during an initial consultation. From there, your attorney can assess the best possible route forward and provide you with personalized legal advice. It’s best to book your consultation as soon as possible if you’re serious about results.

How Negligent Security Lawsuits Work in Pennsylvania 

Negligent security lawsuits fall under the same general category as “premise liability” lawsuits (1). The general idea is that business owners and property owners have a legal responsibility to protect the public from safety hazards. As soon as you step onto someone else’s property, you have the potential to hold them liable for injuries.

But while other premise liability claims involve broken staircases or slippery floors, negligent security claims involve something else entirely. Someone may file a negligent security claim when they are assaulted, robbed, sexually abused, or otherwise harmed by a criminal while on someone else’s premises. The logic is that the property owner should have done more to deter or prevent these criminal acts.

Some businesses are more susceptible to criminal acts than others. For example, nightclubs, bars, pubs, concert venues, and even 24/7 fast-food restaurants have a tendency to attract rowdy, intoxicated individuals who may be likely to start fights or engage in other violent crimes. These businesses are expected to put some kind of security system in place due to the type and nature of their establishment. Businesses may also be held liable for negligent security if they are situated in a high-crime area, or if there is a long history of similar crimes on their premises.

An Example of How Dangerous Pennsylvania Bars Can Be 

On April 26th of 2022, it was reported that three people had robbed and assaulted two females inside the restroom of a bar in Pennsylvania (2). The suspects were caught on camera, but it is not clear whether they were ever apprehended. It may seem unthinkable that such a blatant crime was allowed to occur in such a public place, but such is the reality of our times.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today 

For help from a skilled Scranton personal injury attorney, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. With our assistance, you can hold establishments accountable for their inadequate security. Assaults and other violent crimes are unacceptable in public areas – especially when business owners are well aware that there is a history of these incidents. Book your consultation today to pursue genuine results.

Sources: 

insuranceopedia.com/definition/3556/premises-liability

cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/shortys-pittsburgh-north-shore-assault-robbery-suspects/