If you are reading this, chances are that you or someone you love was hurt because a place did not have enough security. You may feel unsure about what happens next. That is completely normal. It can be scary to deal with injuries, lost work, and medical bills. You might be wondering if the place where the incident happened is responsible. You may also be wondering if there is a way to get help without having to go through a long court process. This page is here to help you understand what happens in negligent security cases in North Carolina and what options you may have to reach a fair settlement.
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.
Michael Phillips
Attorney
Marcel McCrea
Attorney
Natalie Andruczyk
Attorney
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.
Michael was a pleasure to work with. He made sure all of my questions were answered in a timely manner. His compassion to help allowed me to receive excellence throughout my experience, i would highly recommend his expertise”
- Anonymous
Philips and McCrea Law firm provided excellent service to entire family and friends. There have been several situations that I/family /friends have depended on their legal service’s. On each occasion they have been professional, knowledgeable and dependable. Providing excellent representation and guidance under stressful situations. I would highly recommend their legal service."
- Denise
Simply great legal service. They were professional, easy to work with and thorough. I have been very pleased with their service and would highly recommend them to my friends and colleagues as exceptional Charlotte attorneys."
- Logan Abrams
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.
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If a fair settlement is reached, the person gets the money and the case is closed. If no agreement is reached, the case might move forward to court. But many cases do settle before that happens.
When You Should Consider a Settlement
A settlement can be a good idea when it helps meet the person’s needs without a long wait. It allows the person to get money faster and start moving on. But it is important to know when a settlement is fair. Sometimes insurance companies make an offer quickly, hoping to pay less. If someone takes that offer too soon, they might miss out on what they truly need to recover.
Talking with a legal team can help make sure the person understands the offer and what they might really be owed. A good team will also know how to push for more if the first offer is not enough. The goal is to make sure the person is not left with bills they cannot pay or pain that goes untreated.
What to Do if You Are Thinking About a Negligent Security Case
If you or someone close to you was hurt because of poor security, you may have a legal case. But you do not have to go through it alone. You can begin by writing down everything you remember about what happened. Save medical records, police reports, and anything else related to the incident. If you have photos or names of people who saw what happened, that is helpful too.
It is also a good idea to get medical care and keep records of what doctors say. This helps show how the injuries affected your life. From there, reaching out for legal support can help guide the next steps.
Helping You Find the Right Settlement Path
Every person’s story is different. That means every case needs careful attention. Some people need quick relief from bills. Others need long-term support. Reaching a fair settlement is not just about numbers. It is about making sure you are heard and getting what you need to move forward.
At Phillips & McCrea, PLLC, we understand how scary and confusing this time can feel. You may be hurt, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. That is okay. We are here to listen, guide, and fight for what is fair. Our team knows how to deal with insurance companies and how to prepare strong cases that lead to real results.
If you are thinking about a negligent security case in North Carolina, we invite you to talk with us. Your first consultation is free. You can ask your questions, and we can help you understand what options you have. You do not have to face this alone. Let us help you explore the right settlement path for your case.