Victims of crimes are sometimes able to hold businesses accountable for their losses. Premises liability standards allow for injury-related compensation claims when negligence on the part of a business or property owner causes harm to others.
Other reasonable people generally need to agree that the company could have predicted that the crime might occur and could have taken steps to prevent it. Certain types of businesses may have an increased risk of exposing people to violent crimes. Additional safety measures may be necessary to mitigate that risk.
What businesses typically see an increased risk of assaults and other violent crimes?
1. Bars and nightclubs
The disinhibition that accompanies alcohol impairment can lead to people becoming aggressive with minimal provocation. Arguments at bars and nightclubs may spiral into violent attacks where one person sustains significant injuries.
2. Retail establishments
There are many reasons that assaults might occur in a retail shop. A robbery or shoplifting incident could result in a thief hurting a customer. Angry consumers might lash out at employees or others nearby over items being out of stock or a dispute over who has a claim to the last item in stock.
3. Hospitals and other medical facilities
Health care providers see people experiencing emotional disturbances, chemical impairment and withdrawal from drugs. They also occasionally treat people currently serving a prison sentence. While many violent instances at hospitals and medical facilities target employees, members of the public are also vulnerable when people become unstable and violent.
If a business has an increased risk of violent crimes occurring there, taking additional steps to ensure public safety may be necessary. Evaluating the circumstances surrounding an assault at a business could help an injured party pursue a premises liability lawsuit if negligence impacted their situation.
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