As you are shopping for the holidays, you are probably thinking about what gifts your loved ones would like or what store nearby has the best sale, not that you could be hurt at the store. If a store fails to provide adequate security measures, however, you could suffer serious injuries.

Negligent security

Property owners are responsible for injuries that happen on their property because of unsafe conditions, including inadequate security which leads to foreseeable criminal activities like robberies or assaults.

Negligent security measures may include a lack of security guards to protect shoppers, faulty surveillance systems, like security cameras, poor lighting that can increase the likelihood of a criminal act, and failing to prevent access to the property which could include broken gates and unlocked doors.

Injuries

You can experience several types of injuries caused by negligent security. Physical attacks and assaults can cause you to suffer from bruises, fractures, broken bones and concussions. In violent altercations, you could be seriously hurt in a stabbing or by a gunshot.

In addition to physical injuries, you can suffer from anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional and psychological trauma can make it difficult to return to normal life after the incident. You may be entitled to compensation from the property owner to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

In other situations, a victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim against the property owner if their loved one has fatal injuries. Damages for wrongful death may be based on future earnings and pain and suffering.