Injury Lawsuits Due to Inadequate Security

Have you suffered an injury which you feel could have been prevented by the use of increased security measures?

Negligent or inadequate security takes into account the theory of foreseeability. Yes, crime happens all the time, but property owners are legally required to take action to prevent known dangers. Business owners and event planners know this, and when they fail to adhere to these laws and someone is injured or killed as a result, they can be held civilly liable.

Overview of premises liability law.

According to U.S. premises liability law, a business owner owes a certain duty of care to any patrons that visit their property. The level of care owed depends on the visitors status - either trespasser, licensee, or invitee. Invitees (customers) are beneficial to the business, and are thus owed the highest duty of care. Read more on premises liability law.

Recent negligent security lawsuit against McDonalds.

 
A recent incident at a McDonald’s restaurant in Texas brought to the foreground the issue of inadequate security and premises liability. The incident happened at the "University McDonalds" in College Station, Texas between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., and involved two friends getting beaten up by a group of youths who were fond of gathering in the McDonald's parking lot. In fact, there had been numerous incidents of police being called to in response to criminal activity at the lot in the past (reportedly over 200 times in the past 3 years)!
The victims, Denton James Ward and Tanner Giesen were severely beaten. The two females in their group tried to take the men to seek treatment at a nearby hospital. However, on their way there, the car they were in was involved in a serious accident. The crash resulted in the fatalities of Ward and his 19-year-old girlfriend Lauren Bailey Crisp.
The lawyers representing the Ward Family stated that he died as a result of the injuries he sustained due to the beating he received at the McDonald’s parking lot. McDonald’s placed blame on the individuals involved and the driver of the vehicle. Pathologists who testified in the trial (both for the plaintiffs and McDonald's) agreed that Mr. Ward was beaten to death.
A Brazos County jury, after hearing all the evidence, put the blame on the mega fast-food chain and ordered McDonald’s to pay $27 million to the families of the two victims. McDonald’s said they plan to appeal.
The fact that there were so many prior incidents, yet ZERO security at the McDonald’s parking lot already says a lot about the level of care the restaurant was providing to their patrons.

"Do I have a case?"

Due to the complex nature of these claims, it is impossible to determine the validity of a case without intimate knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding it. Luckily, our attorneys are happy to speak with you (for free) to help you determine your legal options moving forward. If we decide to take your case, we'll do so on contingency - meaning you don't pay a dime unless we actually win you money.
Rasansky Law Firm is a premier Dallas premises liability law firm. Attorney Jeff Rasansky has 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims in Texas. If you were injured due to a lack of security, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit in order to compel the negligent party to compensate you for your damages. Call our premises liability lawyers today at (214) 651-6100 for your 100% free consultation.