Throughout Fort Lauderdale, people can get hurt at work, even in seemingly safe environments. Sometimes, though, you may be injured because your employer fails to protect your security. At Cowen Edwards, our team of skilled negligent security lawyers know how tough these situations can be. We’re here to help anyone that’s been hurt in an incident, providing guidance and support during the claims process. If you or someone you know has been injured at work, contact us today for a free consultation.
Liability in Fort Lauderdale Attacks at Work
There’s any number of different outcomes when your security at work is compromised, but the most likely is that you’ll be injured in some way. With that said, though, figuring out who is liable for a negligent security incident at your workplace hinges on the specific circumstances of what happened.
Workplaces vary, making it tricky to ensure security. Still, your employer is mainly responsible for keeping you safe while you’re in the workplace.
If your employer neglects this duty and you suffer harm due to their negligence, they will generally be held liable for your injuries and associated damages. The specifics, however, vary based on the situation. Let’s break down security issues in Fort Lauderdale workplaces more simply:
- Negligent hiring – If your employer hires someone with a violent or criminal history without proper screening, they may be responsible if that person causes harm.
- Failing to check for hazards – Your employer should assess potential risks at work and implement safety measures. Not doing so could make your employer liable.
- Inadequate training – Security staff must receive proper training. If not, your employer could face responsibility if security fails.
- Ignoring known risks – If your employer is aware of potential risks but takes no action, they may be responsible for resulting harm.
- Insufficient security measures – Your employer should have reasonable security measures in place, like door locks and cameras. Failure to do so may lead to liability for injuries due to poor security.
- Lack of surveillance – In today’s world, the absence of adequate surveillance may be deemed a problem. Your employer might be held responsible if the lack of surveillance contributes to security issues.
- Poor lighting – Dimly lit areas pose a risk. Your employer should make sure all spaces are well-lit to prevent crime and maintain safety.
How Can You Be Hurt?
Not surprisingly, negligent security in the workplace can lead to serious injuries. Depending on the type of incident, these injuries can range from minor to more severe:
- Assaults and attacks – Due to inadequate security measures, employees may be vulnerable to physical harm from external threats.
- Theft and burglary – Poor security may lead to unauthorized access, resulting in theft or burglary incidents.
- Trauma and emotional distress – Psychological injuries caused by experiencing or witnessing violent incidents.
- Cuts and bruises – Injuries from altercations, falls, or attempts to escape potentially dangerous situations.
- Fractures and sprains – Injuries sustained during physical altercations or attempts to evade harm.
- Head injuries – Trauma to the head from assaults or accidents in an environment lacking proper security measures.
- Property damage – Loss or damage to personal belongings during incidents of theft or burglary.
- Psychological impact – Anxiety, stress, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from exposure to security-related threats.
Again, there’s any number of injuries or damage that you can suffer in a negligent security incident at work. Thus, it’s important to know how to respond, both personally and legally.
What Should You Do After Being Hurt at Work in Fort Lauderdale?
The starting point of any negligent security claim in Fort Lauderdale happens right after the incident, and involves a few actions you’ll need to take to protect your health and legal rights. Sadly, simply having the right to file a claim against your employer in the event of a negligent security incident is just the beginning.
Building a solid case is the other crucial part. While our team can assist you in this process, there are essential steps you should take to protect your claim:
- Report the incident – Notify your boss, supervisor, or the relevant person at work as soon as possible. Provide comprehensive details and share any available evidence.
- Document the incident with evidence – Record all pertinent information, including the date, time, location, people involved, and any witnesses. If feasible, take photographs and preserve crucial evidence like damaged property or clothing.
- Seek medical attention – If you sustain injuries, seek prompt medical assistance. Your well-being is the top priority. Maintain a record of the medical care received and keep related bills.
- Call the authorities – If the security issue involves a crime, such as theft or an attack, contact the local police. Provide them with all relevant information and share any evidence you’ve gathered.
- Report to human resources – Make sure to also report the incident to your company’s human resources department or higher-ups to discuss the incident. Familiarize yourself with the company’s protocols for handling such situations.
- Cooperate with the investigation – If there’s an internal or external investigation, fully cooperate. Share details and evidence to ascertain the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
Again, the most important thing is your health and safety. Once those are taken care of, you should reach out to our team for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case and then give you a roadmap of what to expect if you want to move forward.
Damages After Work Incidents in Fort Lauderdale
When you’re injured at your workplace due to negligent security, pursuing your legal options involves a well-defined process. While our negligent security lawyers can provide guidance, the general process involves:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
If you decide to pursue a claim, the goal is to get financial support for the harm you’ve suffered. In legal terms, these are known as “damages,” and they are designed to offset the losses from the incident. Common damages in a negligent security claim include:
- Medical expenses – If you get hurt because of someone else, you’ll likely have to pay for doctor visits, treatments, and maybe even ongoing care. It also includes any therapy or counseling you might need to cope with the emotional side of things.
- Lost income – If you can’t work because of your injury, you’re not just losing your paycheck for a bit. It could affect your ability to earn money in the future, too.
- Property damage – If your property gets damaged in an accident, you can get reimbursed for it. This not only includes the cost of fixing or replacing things but also any extra costs caused by the damage.
- Physical and emotional distress – Injuries aren’t just about the physical pain, they have an emotional toll as well, like stress, anxiety, or just feeling down. This is designed to cover these damages.
- Reduced quality of life – When an injury changes your life and limits what you can do, you can potentially recover financial consideration for this. This includes not being able to do things you used to enjoy or having to make big adjustments to your daily life.
- Loss of companionship – If your relationships suffer because of your injury, you can get support for that, too. This could be with family or your partner–any loss of connection or support.
- Punitive damages – If the person responsible for your injury was really careless or did something really bad, you might get extra support called punitive damages. This is meant to punish them and make sure they don’t do it again.
Remember, these are all things you might ask for when seeking financial consideration for an injury or accident. It’s about making sure you’re not left dealing with all the consequences on your own. This is where our team can help. We’ll make sure there’s an accurate accounting of your damages so you’re able to get what you deserve.
Hold Your Employer Accountable in Fort Lauderdale
When you go to your job in Fort Lauderdale, you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety. So, when you get hurt because there’s a negligent security incident, Cowen Edwards will be there to help you. We’ll work tirelessly to build a case and protect your interests, all to hold your employer accountable. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
