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Negligent Shopping Center and Mall Security
Thousands of people go to shopping malls every day. Particularly during the holiday season, malls and shopping centers can become excessively overcrowded, and large crowds tend to provide the anonymity that invites crime. Malls are filled with people walking around with money, and this is another characteristic that makes malls and shopping centers attractive to criminals. Additionally, malls have packed parking lots to which criminals might be drawn and numerous entrances and exits which can provide a quick and easy escape. All in all, malls and shopping centers can be dangerous.
Much attention was drawn to the adequacy of mall security after the December 2007 shootings at the Westroads Mall in Omaha left nine dead and five seriously injured, and the National Institute of Justice uncovered some startling information. The Institute found problems with: hiring standards for mall security, training of mall security in preventing attacks, the amount of money that has been used to upgrade security since 9/11, and the amount and quality of risk assessments and emergency plans developed. As this study shows, if you have suffered an injury because of an attack in mall or shopping center, it is very possible that it was the result of negligent security and you could be entitled to compensation.
Tips to help you protect yourself in malls and shopping centers:- Shop during the day. If you have to shop at night, try to go with another person.
- Don’t overload yourself with bags or packages so that you can keep your line of sight clear.
- Park in a well-lit area.
If you have been attacked or otherwise injured at a shopping mall or shopping center, and you think that you might have a personal injury claim, call a lawyer today. The personal injury lawyers of Altman & Altman LLP would be happy to speak with you. With combined experience of more than four decades, we have practical skill that can’t be beat. We have handled cases in all areas of personal injury law and we have developed an excellent reputation for success. Call our outstanding personal injury attorneys at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll-free, or contact us online for a free consultation. We are available twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week to answer any questions that you might have.
