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Gas stations in Atlanta are hotspots for criminal activity – especially at night.
Gas stations are often open late, may or may not have adequate security, and require patrons to exit their vehicles to pump gas. Common gas station crimes include robberies, muggings, and vehicle theft. If you suffered an attack at a gas station, seek the help of a professional Atlanta gas station attack attorney. You may have a premises liability case against the owner of the property. Filing a claim for your attack can lead to compensation for your personal injuries, lost property, and emotional suffering.
Crime and Negligent Security in Georgia
In many cases, a harmful assault or crime such as a gas station attack is preventable with adequate property security. A building owner is responsible for implementing a security system when there is a foreseeable risk of an attack. The foreseeability of an attack is the key here – a property owner with no reason to know of the potential for crime will likely not be liable for a subsequent attack.
If, however, the property owner knew of prior crimes on the property or in the surrounding area, yet failed to hire a security guard, post cameras, or otherwise provide for the safety of patrons, the courts may hold him or her liable for an attack. Negligent security is a form of premises liability and is the responsibility of the property owner or lessee of the building. Georgia courts may deem that a property owner was negligent in his or her lack of security if the owner knew or reasonably should have known about:
- Previous crimes that occurred at the gas station.
- Crimes that have occurred in the surrounding neighborhood.
- Nearby gas stations that have taken security measures.
- A broken or malfunctioning security measure.
- Security measures that are not adequate to protect against foreseeable crimes.
In Georgia, it’s a property owner’s responsibility to research a gas station and gain an accurate depiction of the odds of criminal activity. Often, property owners need to speak with Atlanta personal injury lawyers or law enforcement officials to determine the foreseeability of a gas station criminal attack.
Appropriate Gas Station Security Measures
If you were the victim of a criminal attack at a gas station, Jiffy, or convenience store in Georgia, work with an Atlanta gas station attack attorney to investigate the property owners. A lawyer at The Dixon Firm, P.C. can help you find out if the owner knew or reasonably should have known about previous issues in the area. If there is a chance of criminal activity, a property owner needs to invest in adequate security measures to prevent an attack. This may include:
- Hiring a security guard to watch the property.
- Posting security cameras.
- Adding bright overhead lighting.
- Stationing a gas station employee in view of the gas pumps.
- Scheduling enough employees to supervise the premises.
Failure to put proper security measures on a property after learning about the risk of an attack can result in liability. In Georgia, it’s a gas station owner’s duty to show due diligence in discovering potential dangers and taking steps to prevent harm. Criminal attacks are no exception. An owner’s neglect to implement a security system could lead to someone else’s severe personal injury or wrongful death.
Seek Justice for Gas Station Crimes in Georgia
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a gas station attack in Atlanta alone. Contact The Dixon Firm, P.C. to find out if there is a legal remedy for your attack injuries and damages. Our personal injury attorneys understand local premises liability and negligent security laws and can help you file a claim against an at-fault party. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by only visiting gas stations with adequate security measures, knowing your rights, and hiring a competent Atlanta gas station attack lawyer to represent your personal injury case. Call our office at 404-733-1166 to schedule a free consultation today.
