How is disability defined?

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to do a “substantial gainful activity,” or SGA. SGA requires significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both, while working either part-time or full-time. Generally, if an individual earns more than $1310 per month (unless they are blind) they are considered to be performing SGA. In order to meet the definition of being disabled, disability, your medical conditions must prevent you from performing work activities. “Gainful” means that the work can be done for pay or profit. There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: Supplementary Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance.

How is SSI different from Social Security Benefits?

A recipient of SSI can also receive Social Security benefits, and can apply for both programs with the same process. However, the two programs are different in a number of ways. SSI benefits are not determined by work history – meaning how long the recipient worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI and Social Security are funded differently. SSI financed by general funds of the U.S. Treasury, collected from personal income taxes, corporate and other taxes. Social Security taxes collected under FICA do not fund the SSI program. SSI recipients may be eligible for other federal benefits. In most States, SSI recipients also can get medical assistance under Medicaid for expenses such as hospital stays, doctor bills, and prescription drugs, as well as food assistance.

Des Moines Negligent Security Lawyers

When property owners fail to provide adequate security measures, it can lead to serious harm for visitors and tenants. At Iowa Lawyers, our experienced Des Moines negligent security lawyers hold property owners accountable for their negligence.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of inadequate security, we are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is when a property owner fails to provide reasonable safety measures to protect visitors, tenants, and patrons alike. Property owners have a duty of care to provide a secure environment for people who legally enter their premises. When they fail to do so, it can lead to preventable crimes and injuries.

Examples of negligent security include:

Lack of security cameras or adequate lighting
Broken locks or malfunctioning gates
Failure to hire or train security personnel

Property owners who neglect these responsibilities can be held liable when their inaction results in harm.

Where Negligent or Inadequate Security Is a Common Concern

Negligent security issues can occur in many settings, including:

Bars and Nightclubs: Assaults or injuries due to inadequate security measures
Parking Lots and Garages: Robberies, assaults, or other crimes due to poor lighting or lack of surveillance
Apartment Complexes: Break-ins resulting from broken locks or gates
Retail Stores and Banks: Robberies or physical harm when security is not sufficient

These locations often attract criminal activity when property owners fail to take necessary precautions.

Injuries and Losses Caused by Negligent Security

Victims of negligent security often face profound harm that extends beyond the initial crime or incident. When property owners or businesses fail to provide adequate safety measures, the consequences can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.

Physical Injuries: Negligent security cases often involve violent crimes such as assaults, robberies, or sexual assaults. Victims may suffer fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), lacerations, or other severe physical harm, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Emotional Trauma: The psychological toll of negligent security incidents can be long-lasting. Victims frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that affect their daily lives and relationships. The emotional scars from feeling unsafe or unprotected can persist indefinitely.
Financial Losses: The aftermath of a negligent security incident often includes mounting medical bills, lost income due to time away from work, and, in some cases, property damage or theft. These financial burdens can make recovery even more challenging for victims and their families.

People who have been injured because of negligent security endure life-altering consequences that impact their well-being and financial stability. Seeking justice and compensation can provide the resources needed to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Iowa Lawyers, we are dedicated to holding property owners accountable for their negligence and helping victims rebuild their lives.

How to Prove Negligent Security in Iowa

To establish a negligent security claim, victims must demonstrate:

Duty of Care: The property owner did indeed have a legal obligation to provide reasonable security.
Breach of Duty: The owner failed to meet that obligation.
Causation: This failure directly caused the victim’s injuries.
Damages: The victim suffered calculable losses because of the incident.

Our premises liability lawyers can help gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimony to strengthen your claim.

Legal Rights of Victims

Victims of negligent security have legal rights that may entitle them to compensation for their suffering and losses. They include:

Medical Expenses: Including hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation
Lost Wages: For time missed at work and diminished earning capacity
Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life

It’s important to act quickly, as Iowa’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims typically allows two years to file a lawsuit. To make sure your case is handled effectively and within the legal deadlines, be sure to consult a lawyer early.

Why Choose Our Des Moines Negligent Security Lawyers?

At Iowa Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling premises liability cases. We understand exactly what it takes to handle a case involving negligent security. Our team is committed to:

Achieving successful outcomes — backed by a track record of favorable verdicts and settlements
Providing personalized and compassionate representation to address your unique situation
Pursuing maximum compensation to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial harm you’ve endure

Contact Our Des Moines Negligent Security Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love has been harmed because a property owner failed to provide adequate security, don’t wait to get help. Contact Iowa Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.