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What constitutes negligent security at a hotel or resort?

On Behalf of | Jan 30, 2025 | Premises Liability

People staying at hotels or resorts generally want to enjoy their vacation or fulfill their business responsibilities. They don’t expect to become victims of crime.

Unfortunately, opportunistic criminals often target locations where tourists and other visitors may congregate. Hotels and resorts generally have an obligation to secure their premises and protect their customers from predictable criminal activity. If they fail to do so, people hurt by crime may have grounds for a negligent security premises liability lawsuit.

What constitutes negligent security?

No property owner or business can predict every criminal incident before it occurs. However, certain types of crimes are easy to predict. There are also common-sense ways to prevent common crimes.

At hotels and resorts, parking lot muggings and robberies are a concern. Security cameras and outdoor lighting can go a long way toward deterring opportunistic criminals from attacking people or breaking into vehicles.

If the establishment features a bar or a restaurant that serves alcohol, staff members may require training to identify signs of a drugging committed with the intent to assault a patron. Having security professionals on hand within the hotel and visible security cameras can go a long way toward deterring misconduct.

If hotels and resorts fail to invest in common-sense security measures, the people hurt as a result may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. While businesses cannot prevent all crimes on their premises, they should make reasonable attempts to deter predictable criminal activity.

If the hotel or resort could have prevented a crime, litigation may be possible. Understanding what constitutes negligent security can help people hold businesses accountable for allowing crime to occur.

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