Understanding What a Negligent Security Case Is
Negligent security happens when a person is hurt on someone else’s property because there was not enough safety or security. This can happen at apartment complexes, hotels, shopping centers, parking lots, schools, or even at concerts and events. It is the job of the property owner or business to take steps to keep people safe. That might mean hiring security guards, putting up lights, locking doors, or using security cameras. If someone is attacked, robbed, or hurt and it turns out the owner knew there was a risk but did not do enough to stop it, that could be negligent security. The law in North Carolina allows people to file a claim if they were hurt because someone failed to provide reasonable safety. A case like this is not just about what happened. It is about what could have been done to stop it from happening.What Makes a Property Owner Responsible
In North Carolina, property owners have something called a duty of care. That means they need to do what is fair and reasonable to keep visitors safe. If there have been past crimes or if the area is known to be dangerous, the owner should take steps to lower the risk. When they do not, and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible. But proving a negligent security case is not always simple. The person bringing the case must show that the harm was foreseeable. This means they have to show that the owner should have known something bad could happen. Police reports, crime statistics, and witness accounts are all important parts of making this case. Gathering that kind of evidence takes time, which is why it helps to have a legal team that understands how to handle these situations.
Marcel McCrea
Attorney
James A. Noel
Attorney
Tylisa Crawford
Paralegal
Why Many Cases Settle Instead of Going to Court
Going to court takes a lot of time and money. That is why many negligent security cases end in a settlement. A settlement is when both sides agree on an amount of money to resolve the case without a trial. This can be a faster way for the person who was hurt to get compensation. It also gives some control back to the person bringing the claim. Instead of leaving the decision up to a jury, the person can agree to a fair amount that meets their needs. Settlements often happen after the property owner’s insurance company has looked at the case. They might offer an amount of money to cover things like hospital bills, missed work, pain and suffering, and more. Sometimes, this offer is not enough. That is when having someone on your side to talk with the insurance company and push for more can make a big difference.
I have worked and referred cases to Attorney Marcel McCrea in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a number of years. His zealous advocacy, keen attention to details, and client care are particularly noteworthy. He has been especially helpful in some complicated personal injury matters that I have referred to his firm. I highly recommend Marcel McCrea and ClearView Legal for anyone looking for excellent attorneys.”
- Frantz Jacques
ClearView Legal do great work. When I had my car accident they were very diligent in showing me the process. They took care of all the necessary paperwork and negotiation in my personal injury claim. They were both passionate and determined to get me my settlement. I am eternally grateful. Definitely 5 star lawyers in my book."
- Osmund Marcellin
I was recently injured in a car accident. I hired Attorney Marcel McCrea of ClearView Legal in Charlotte, NC to help me with my personal injury matter and to recover for my medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Before hiring the firm, I tried to negotiate with the insurance company on my own and got no where. Marcel McCrea did an excellent job and helped me to recover much more than I expected. Marcel and his staff exceeded my expectations and provided great customer service. I highly recommend the firm!"
- S. Jackson
What Affects How Much a Settlement Can Be
Every case is different. Some people may only need a few doctor visits. Others may face surgery or long-term care. The amount of the settlement usually depends on how serious the injuries are and how much they affect the person’s life. If the injuries caused someone to miss work or need ongoing medical help, that could lead to a higher settlement. The costs that have already come in and the costs expected in the future are both looked at. Pain and suffering is another part of a settlement. This includes things like stress, fear, and loss of joy in life. If someone is afraid to go outside or has trouble sleeping after what happened, those things matter too. One more thing that affects a settlement is how strong the proof is. If there are police reports, videos, or witness statements that clearly show the owner did not act properly, that can make the case stronger. That also makes it more likely the insurance company will want to settle instead of risk losing in court.How the Settlement Process Works
When a negligent security case begins, it usually starts with an investigation. The person bringing the case will gather facts about what happened, where it happened, and how it could have been stopped. Medical records, photos, videos, and police reports are all used to build the case. Once the facts are clear, a claim is usually filed with the insurance company for the property owner or business. After that, there is a back-and-forth conversation. This is where the settlement talks begin. The insurance company may make an offer. If the offer is too low, a counteroffer can be made. Sometimes, both sides will meet to talk things out. This is called mediation. It is often led by a neutral person who helps both sides try to agree.Related Videos
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