The amount of time you spend at your job in Kentucky means many things, but most importantly, it’s there to allow you to provide for your family. However, it also means that you spend a majority of your daily life at your office or some other work site. In exchange, your employer has many responsibilities, but none more important than your safety. While this can be more difficult at certain workplaces, it applies across the board.
As such, when your employer or workplace is negligent with your security and you’re hurt, you have the legal right to take action. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, our Kentucky negligent security lawyers can help you through this process, explaining your rights and how you can hold your employer accountable. If you’ve been hurt in a negligent security incident at work in Kentucky, contact us today for a free consultation.
Legal Process After a Negligent Security Incident at Work in Kentucky
When you’re hurt at your job because of negligent security, there’s a clear process to protect your rights. While our experienced Kentucky negligent security lawyers can guide you, the general procedure includes:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a lawsuit
Our approach to these claims is systematic:
- Investigating the incident – We start by thoroughly examining the incident, collecting evidence, speaking with witnesses, obtaining documents, and consulting experts.
- Assessing your injuries – Next, we collaborate with medical experts to assess injuries, treatment needs, and the long-term outlook for determining fair damages.
- Forming a legal strategy – We create a customized plan based on our findings, which may involve negotiations, workers’ compensation claims, or lawsuits.
- Negotiating – Our goal is to settle your claim with a fair result covering medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Litigating – If negotiations fail, we’re prepared to go to court, vigorously representing your rights.
- Communicating with you – We value transparent communication, providing updates and addressing concerns throughout the process.
- Resolving the case to your satisfaction – Our ultimate goal is the best outcome through settlement or litigation for fair financial support.
It’s crucial to be aware of the one-year statute of limitations for filing an injury claim. Missing this deadline could mean missing out on the available legal benefits.
If you choose to file a civil claim after a negligent security incident in Kentucky, the goal is to get financial considerations for the harm you’ve suffered. Whether you’re injured at work or not, you may need medical treatment, ongoing care, and support to deal with emotional distress. These types of support, called “damages,” are meant to cover the losses from the incident. Common damages in a Kentucky negligent security claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Physical and emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Punitive damages if the responsible party was excessively negligence
The specific damages sought depend on your unique situation and the severity of your injuries. While our team can assist you in understanding your legal options, the decision to pursue a claim to secure available financial support is ultimately yours.
Who is Responsible for a Negligent Security Incident at Work in Kentucky?
When it comes to legal responsibility–also known as liability–for a negligent security incident at your job, the circumstances are very important. Again, because there’s a variety of different workplaces, it can be difficult to guarantee your security. However, your employer has the ultimate responsibility for this while you’re at work.
If they don’t, and you get hurt because of their negligence, they’re responsible for your injuries and damages.
But it depends on the situation. Let’s look at security problems in Kentucky workplaces in simpler terms:
- Bad hiring – If your employer hires someone with a history of violence or crime without checking, they could be responsible if that person hurts you or someone else.
- Not checking the property – Employers should look at what could go wrong at work and put in safety measures. If they don’t, and something bad happens, they could be responsible.
- Bad training – If a workplace has security staff, they need proper training. If not, your employer could be in trouble if security fails.
- Ignoring risks – If your employer knows about risks but does nothing, they could be responsible for any harm that comes from it.
- Weak security – Employers should have reasonable security based on their business. If not, they could be responsible for injuries because of bad security.
- No surveillance – Not having good surveillance in today’s world could be seen as a problem. Employers might be responsible if the lack of surveillance leads to security problems.
- Bad lighting – Dark areas at work can be risky. Employers should make sure all areas are well-lit to prevent crime and keep everyone safe.
Other Liable Parties
Apart from your employer, there very likely will be other parties who at least share some liability:
- Property owners – If your employer rents the office or workspace, the owner might be responsible for security issues.
- Security companies – If the security hired by your employer is not good enough, the company they hired may also be responsible.
- Vendors – People or companies responsible for security services or managing the building might share the blame if security goes wrong.
- Government agencies – If rules for security aren’t followed, government agencies enforcing these rules might be involved.
- Contractors – Contractors like security guards might share the blame if they fail to meet their job duties and you’re hurt in an incident.
In Kentucky, there’s also “comparative negligence.” So, in situations where you played some part in the incident–like if you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be–your overall recovery of damages will be reduced by the same percentage of fault.
How Can You Protect Your Negligent Security Claim Against Your Kentucky Workplace?
Just having the legal right to file a claim against your employer when there’s a negligent security incident is only one part of the equation. The other is actually building a case. While we can help you in that regard, there’s a few things you’ll need to do to protect your claim:
- Report the incident – Inform your boss, supervisor, or the appropriate person at work as soon as possible. Provide all the details and share any evidence you may have.
- Document the incident – Write down everything: the date, time, location, people involved, and any witnesses. Take pictures if possible and save important evidence like damaged property or clothing.
- Seek medical help – If you’re injured, get medical help promptly. Your health is the priority. Keep a record of the medical care you receive and save related bills.
- Call the police – If the security issue involves a crime, such as theft or an attack, contact the local police. Share all the information and show them any evidence you’ve collected.
- Discuss with company Human Resources – Talk to your company’s human resources department or higher-ups about the incident. Learn about the company’s rules for handling such situations.
- Cooperate with the investigation – If there’s an investigation, whether internal or external, cooperate fully. Share details and evidence to determine the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
Regardless of the outcome, prioritize your health and safety. Once that’s taken care of, you should certainly reach out to our team for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and the path ahead. Then, should you decide to move forward, we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure your legal rights are taken care of and your employer is held accountable.
Experienced Assistance From Kentucky Negligent Security Lawyers
Nobody goes to work in Kentucky and expects something to happen because of negligent security. However, in a number of different workplaces, there’s always the chance that it can happen. When you’re hurt because your employer didn’t meet their responsibilities as it relates to your safety, Kaufman & Stigger will be there to help.
Our experienced and dedicated Kentucky negligent security lawyers can guide you through the legal process and make sure that your employer and anyone else responsible is held accountable for their inactions. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to get started.
