Security guards in residential buildings are supposed to provide tenants with a safe and orderly environment. In most buildings, security companies contract to prevent loitering and sign-in non-resident visitors, at the very least. However, when security personnel fail to perform their duty, non-resident criminal intruders can victimize innocent tenants’ rights in their homes. If tenants are harmed in this manner, it may feel like they have no recourse other than the criminal justice system. Fortunately, legal remedies are available to help properly compensate victims of crimes caused by negligent security personnel.
Not surprisingly, when a security company enters into a contract with the landlord of a residential building, the security provider often agrees to protect the building property and the tenants that live there. When this occurs, the security company may be liable to victims of criminal behavior in the building if they did not undertake their duties or take reasonable steps to prevent intruders from entering the building uncontested.
Additionally, New York’s highest court has established that tenants may be compensated for their injuries resulting from criminal behavior even when the security company expressly refuses by contract to protect any of the building’s inhabitants. The landlord may be liable to tenants injured by criminal intruders in certain situations.
The attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP, advocate for victims of criminal behavior due to negligent building security in New York. If you have been injured due to lax or non-existent building security, you could be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Call our offices at (212) 779-0057 to speak with a New York personal injury attorney about your options.