A violent robbery at a RaceTrac gas station in Brookhaven, Georgia left one man wounded on December 23, 2024. Sometime around 4:45 a.m., several attackers confronted the man and shot him near the front entrance of the station at Clairmont Road and Dresden Drive.
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a nearby trauma center, where he remained stable. He was able to speak with investigators about the incident. Police gathered the information needed to search for the suspects, who apparently fled in a vehicle soon after the shooting. Surveillance footage from the scene may prove helpful in identifying and tracking down the shooters.
If you’ve been the victim of a criminal attack on a property, you may have a claim against the property owner for failing to take the proper steps to make the property safe for visitors. Don’t hesitate to call us at (321) LAWSUIT. A call is free, and we don’t get paid unless we get money for you.
Understanding Negligent Security Claims in Georgia
When criminals harm innocent people at businesses like gas stations, Georgia law allows victims to seek compensation through negligent security claims. The law recognizes that property owners must protect their customers from foreseeable criminal acts - they can't just ignore crime and hope for the best.
Elements of a Negligent Security Case
To win a negligent security case in Georgia, your lawyer needs to be able to prove that:
- The business had a duty to protect you as their customer;
- They failed to provide reasonable security measures, or they breached their duty;
- Their security failures led to your injuries, which goes to causation; and
- You suffered real damages from the incident.
Duty, breach, causation, and damages are the key elements of a negligence claim. Each and every element must be proven for a case to be successful at trial.
What Security Should Gas Stations Have?
We regularly see cases where reasonable security measures could have prevented an attack. After all, it’s not coincidence when a person chooses to commit a crime on a property, at least not in a majority of cases. They commit crimes at properties where they think they can get away with it.
Some of the more essential security measures on a business property include:
- Proper lighting covering the entire property;
- Security cameras that are in good working condition;
- Clear views for workers to spot suspicious activity;
- Well-trained staff who know how to handle emergencies;
- Security guards during dangerous overnight hours, where appropriate;
- Regular reviews of security needs and upgrades.
Could the Crime Have Been Prevented?
Courts look closely at whether a business should have expected criminal activity. We typically investigate these cases by looking into:
- Past crimes at the location;
- Crime rates in nearby areas;
- Whether the business attracts criminal behavior;
- Security incidents at similar nearby businesses; and
- The overall safety of the neighborhood.
The more dangerous the area, the more foreseeable the crime. Courts often weigh the cost of the security measures against the need for security. In other words, businesses in areas with very low crime would not require the same level of security as a business in an area with very high crime.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
If you're attacked at a business that failed to protect you, the law may entitle you to compensation for:
- Your medical bills - both current and future
- Income you lost while recovering
- Physical pain from your injuries
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Costs of ongoing treatment
- Any permanent disabilities
Talk to Our Georgia Negligent Security Lawyers Today
Negligent security cases are no joke. We handle these types of cases in multiple states across the Southeast, and we understand how the other side will fight a case. Don't face this alone. We’re here to help.
Our experienced negligent security team knows how to investigate these cases and hold negligent businesses accountable for placing profit over safety. We've helped many victims just like you get the compensation they deserve.
There absolutely zero risk to you for giving us a call. We don't charge any fees unless we win money for you, and we don’t charge for a consultation.
Call us at (321) LAWSUIT / (321) 529-7848, and we will help you figure out what your legal options are. This is what we do. All you have to do to take a step toward justice is just give us a call.
