Man’s Death at Knoxville Shopping Center Raises Questions Among Residents About Negligent Security Claims Under Tennessee Laws
What happens when a person is injured or killed at a Knoxville shopping center? A recent tragic incident that took one man’s life brings this question to the forefront. According to local news reports, a 60-year-old man was found severely injured just before 10 p.m. on September 7 at the Broadway Shopping Center in Knoxville. The 60-year-old assault victim was taken to the hospital, but he later died from blunt-force trauma injuries. While Knoxville investigators continue to determine how the assault occurred and who may be responsible, the case highlights an important issue for anyone injured on business property: when can a shopping center or business be held liable for negligent security?
Negligent Security Claims Under Tennessee Laws: The Basics
It is important for Knoxville residents to understand the basics of negligent security claims. Under Tennessee premises liability laws, property owners and businesses owe a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, including customers and shopping patrons. In cases of negligent security, the question becomes whether the property owner knew or should have known of a dangerous condition or the risk of crime and failed to take steps to prevent foreseeable harm. While it is not yet clear whether the shopping center failed to provide adequate security, the situation serves as a reminder that when violent assaults happen in or near commercial property, victims may have legal rights they should explore.
In general, to bring a negligent security claim you must show that the business had actual or constructive knowledge of previous criminal incidents or unsafe conditions, that the risk was foreseeable, and that the property owner failed to take reasonable measures such as lighting, surveillance, security patrols, or access controls.
If you are injured on a business property, evidence like incident reports, security logs, witness accounts, lighting and camera conditions, and prior complaints can be important. In Tennessee and many other jurisdictions, the standard focuses on what was reasonably foreseeable and what steps a property owner took (or failed to take) to protect visitors. Because of the serious nature of assaults in parking lots, walkways, shopping centers and other commercial settings, negligent security claims often arise when the victim is harmed in areas that should have been monitored or secured more carefully. Knoxville negligent security victims who have been harmed on a business property should know that there is only a limited time to bring a case under Tennessee laws, so speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible after a violent assault occurs is critical to protecting your rights and getting compensation due to you.
Holding Businesses Accountable in Knoxville
No person should have to fight to hold a Knoxville business accountable on their own. If you were injured due to negligent security at a business in Knoxville, do not delay in speaking with an experienced Knoxville negligent security lawyer about your rights, options, and next steps. The experienced Knoxville negligent security lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to help victims who have been assaulted or injured on business properties get justice for their injuries and losses. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
wate.com/news/knoxville-police-investigating-death-of-brian-overby/