If you have ever had to walk through an eerily deserted parking lot or public garage, chances are you have experienced a little anxiety at one time or another. It is a natural response to look over our shoulders when we are alone in a dark place or in a location known for criminal activity. While most of us would prefer to avoid such places altogether, sometimes our daily activities or our living arrangements place us to unsavory locations.
In many situations, people do not suffer an injury or an attack on other people’s property. However, sometimes a person’s worst fears come true when they find themselves at the mercy of someone with ill intent. You may already know that you can pursue a premises liability claim when injured in an accident outside of your own property. Did you know that you may also be able to do so if you suffered an attack on another party’s property instead of a slip and fall or another type of accident?
A property owner’s duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for visitors, customers and guests means maintaining adequate security measures. Examples of proper security include the following:
- Having a security guard on the property
- Providing good lighting to keep would-be attackers away
- Putting up a fence or gate to keep trespassers away
- Making sure door and window locks work properly in an apartment building
Unfortunately, Chicago and many other cities in Illinois are home to people with few reservations about harming another person for their own gain. Holding a property owner responsible for negligent security after an assault or personal attack is your right under the law. Please refer to our premises liability web pages if you need additional information.