Store owners could be held responsible for a violent crime under an area of premises liability law known as "negligent security law."

Situations that occur in a parking lot and commonly fall under this law include being followed to your car and mugged, being robbed or shot while getting money from an ATM machine, or being robbed at a gas station while filling your car with gas.

Store owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a reasonably safe condition — which includes being aware of criminal activity in the community. If a shopping center has frequent muggings, it is the responsibility of those store owners to increase security and the number of surveillance cameras, improve lighting, put hedges around the parking lot, or take additional action to prevent crime.

When a store owner fails to take proper care of the premises, including failure to provide adequate security guards, lighting, and surveillance cameras, they could be held responsible for any violent crime that occurs.

If you're the victim of a violent crime and believe the premises were not adequately maintained, it is best to contact a premises liability attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options, as you may be compensated for the expenses and emotional suffering you’ve incurred as a result of the crime.

Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.