Personal Injury Attorney
Festivals, concerts, and just about all public spaces have security guards. Some are armed, like what you would find at a bank or government building, while others are not. Regardless, the aim of security guards is to promote safety and enforce the rules and policies of the space they occupy and the person or entity who owns it. For example, security guards at a concert will likely be protecting the main performer(s) from crazy fans while also protecting the fans from each other. Depending on the performer, it’s not uncommon for the audience to get rowdy. If the space is cramped, there is a greater chance for there to be an injury. Security guards step in and reorganize the crowd, reminding them of the rules for their own safety. Guards will do this verbally, but may need to use physical force in some situations.
Duty of Care for Security Guards
Regardless of their position, security guards are also held to the same laws as everyone else and owe other people the same duty of care. While some security guards are given exceptions to some rules — like those at banks and government buildings — most are not allowed to harm other people and are trained to be able to keep the peace while upholding their duty of care to others. But what if you are unreasonably harmed by a security guard? Who is it that you should sue in a personal injury case?
Sue the Security Guard
If the security guard is in full knowledge of the rules and knowingly acts against them in his or her act of harm towards you, he or she should be the defense in this case. This is especially the case if the guard is regularly reminded and updated on his or her role at their job.
The Security Company
The security company would be the defendant in the case that they didn’t train their personnel properly or did not keep tabs on the personnel they hired. It is their duty to make sure that their employees stay in the boundaries of what they are supposed to do at work.
The Venue Owners
Though rarely the case, the venue owners usually end up as defendants if they knowingly hire a company without enough resources or personnel to adequately secure the event and venue. They are also usually seen at fault if the venue somehow plays a part in the harm of the individual.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know has been injured by a security guard, you need to retain legal help immediately. Contact an experienced attorney, like a personal injury attorney from Eric Roy Law Firm, right away to see what your options may be.