Negligent Security

There are a shocking number of Americans who fall victim to violent crime every year. It is estimated that every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 8 minutes, that victim is a child. Even worse, only about 6 of every 1,000 sexual assault perpetrators end up in prison. According to the FBI, there were 15,696 murders, 327,374 robberies, and an estimated $14,300,000,000 in property crimes committed in the United States in 2015.

The purpose of giving these statistics is not to scare people, or to give the idea that every crime occurs as the result of negligent security. Rather, it is to clear some misconceptions. Some people believe that when a person is the victim of violent crime, that person’s only recourse is through the police department and the district attorney. Certainly, the criminal justice system provides a wonderful resource to the public in terms of keeping us safe. The DA, the police, and the criminal courts get the violent offenders off the streets. Getting rid of violent offenders, however, does not do anything to help the victim recover from what is often a horrific experience.

In many cases, violent crime is preventable. If you or somebody you know is the victim of violent crime, the Massachusetts negligent security attorneys at Mirick O’Connell may be able to help. The law in Massachusetts requires that business and land owners take reasonable steps to protect against violent crime. In the past, we have successfully brought negligent security cases on behalf of crime victims against:

• Colleges and Universities;

• Condominium associations;

• Restaurants;

• Bars;

• Department Stores;

• Convenience Stores;

• Mental health providers; and,

• Homeowners.

At Mirick O’Connell, we believe that some violent crime is preventable if people and businesses follow practices that have been shown to deter crime. Some of these practices include metal detectors, high quality locks on doors, campus security, well trained bouncers at bars and restaurants, and proper employee training.

We also believe that in holding businesses responsible for negligent security, it helps the entire community be safer. Sadly, we can not rely on business and property owners take the necessary steps to prevent violent crime simply because “it is the right thing to do.” Holding these people and businesses financially responsible for cutting corners, however, is often very effective in ensuring they value public safety in the future.

In the past, we have helped victims of the following types of crimes get compensation in negligent security cases:

• Stabbing;

• Rape;

• Sexual Assault;

• Murder;

• Assault and Battery; and,

• Drunk Driving.

People who fall victim to crimes like this often have very serious injuries, and we have the experience to represent people with the most serious of injuries. In the past, we have represented people who have been stabbed, raped, have lost limbs, and have otherwise had their lives forever changed as a result of violent crime.

In order to get good results on negligent security cases, lawyers often need to spend significant time and money on experts, talking to witnesses, and hiring private investigators. At Mirick O’Connell, we have been around since 1916, and we have the resources to do what is necessary on behalf of injury victims. If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent crime, and you suspect that it may be a result of negligent security, please call us today.