The Legal Chronicle
The National Institute of Justice warns, parking facilities are often targets for crime as they frequently “comprise a large area with relatively low levels of activity” and inherent security challenges. As such, the NIJ urges parking lot and garage owners to incorporate crime prevention into facility design.
- Lighting: Does the facility meet required illuminance standards, providing adequate, uniform lighting?
- Natural Surveillance: Does the facility provide an open facade, high ceilings, and adequate lighting to allow patrons to easily observe their surroundings?
- Stair Towers and Elevators: Are stair and elevator waiting areas open to the exterior and/or the parking areas? Are potential hiding places below stairs closed off?
- Access Control: Does the facility employ security screening and/or fencing at points of low activity to discourage anyone from entering the facility on foot while maintaining openness and natural surveillance?
- Signs and Graphics: Do signs and graphics (such as color coding and unique memory aids) orient patrons to move quickly in and out of the facility, making them less vulnerable to attack?
- Panic Buttons and Emergency Phones: Are panic bars and emergency phones located in elevators, lobbies, stairs and parking areas?
- Security Personnel: Is there a visible presence of uniformed officers? Do officers frequently patrol the facility, varying their routes and schedule?
Victims of Parking Facility Violence: Know Your Rights
Parking lot and parking garage patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking garage owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a responsibility to implement additional security precautions to protect patrons and deter such crime. Should a parking facility owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
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The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent gas station security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Parking lot and parking garage patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, parking lot owners must protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm. For example, should a parking lot owner have knowledge of prior violence on or near property, they have a duty to implement additional security precautions, such as bright lighting, security patrols and surveillance cameras, to protect patrons from such crime. Should a parking lot owner or manager fail in this responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or deaths which occur as a consequence.