Whether arriving for work, going shopping or taking care of business matters, Ohio residents may use parking lots at any time of the day or night. With distractions like cellphones, to-do lists and deadlines, they may not always be aware of their surroundings. In fact, they may take for granted that they are safe from harm until a predator takes advantage of a parking lot’s negligent security.
A woman in another state is still trying to recover from the emotional trauma of a robbery at gunpoint. She had parked in the employee lot of the hospital where she worked when three men attacked her, took her purse and keys, and drove off in her car. Although two of the men supposedly crashed the car the next day, police did not arrest them despite finding a gun in the vehicle.
For several weeks, the woman has lived in fear, and her co-workers share her anxiety. The traumatic event has made it difficult for her to focus on anything as long as the men who attacked her remain at large. Meanwhile, the hospital has increased security patrols throughout the day and night, but many on the staff feel this is not enough. They believe it is a short-term fix when more permanent security measures should be taken.
Those in Ohio may agree that property owners should do more to ensure the security of those who use their parking lots as employees or to patronize their business. Those who suffer as a result of negligent security may take action. With the guidance of an attorney, they may find it possible to obtain compensation through the civil courts for any injuries or suffering.