Banking institutions in Los Angeles must ensure there are adequate lighting, security measures, and guidelines in place to deter criminals from engaging in robberies of ATMs, which can deprive the victim of money or cause a personal injury. If the bank fails to take adequate measures to prevent a robbery or a personal injury at an ATM, it may be held liable.
Reasons that Lead to Personal Injury and Theft at ATM:
Following are the reasons that lead to a personal injury and theft at ATM:
Insufficient Illumination
Located on the same property as the bank, the ATM offers customers cash withdrawals. Banks also own these machines, and it is their responsibility to ensure that their customers are secure when transacting near them. This also calls for appropriate lighting.
The bank may be held partially responsible for an ATM heist if the owner or manager fails to make sure adequate lighting is installed. If the victim lost money or was injured in an ATM accident, he or she may be able to sue the bank for failing to provide adequate lighting in the area at the time of the accident.
Ineffective Security Measures
A few institutions also have other security measures in place, such as ATM cameras. If the bank doesn’t use this camera and establish that it is recording around the machine, it could be held liable for a criminal attack on one of its customers.
In other financial organizations, cameras are installed throughout their facilities to improve security and avoid attacks. Both illumination and cameras in the bank’s security system can deter potential criminals. Banks can be held liable for damages if inadequate security measures are not taken at the time of the ATM heist.
Located At Far Away Distance
There are some ATMs that are too far away from the front door of the bank. A poorly lit ATM may be far away from the main cameras, resulting in easy robberies. Since the machine is placed outside of the typical banking area, it can create opportunities for crimes.
There are some that are located inside the building, but there may be doors that mean another person can just walk in without any restrictions. A lawsuit may hold the bank responsible for ATMs that are too far away from cameras, lighting, and other security features.
No CCTV Cameras
Some banks lack the resources to implement all the security procedures that other banks do. This could result in ATM robberies taking place without leaving a trace. As long as there is no camera to deter would-be criminals or to record live feeds, there is little chance for the victim to obtain evidence in criminal court.
Moreover, justice is impossible without evidence. The absence of cameras could give rise to a viable case against the bank. The plaintiff might support his claim by citing insufficient security measures.
Banking Actions and Security Measures
The bank manager or owner is often aware of the flaws in ATM security. Considering this information, the bank may be considered negligent if a person is injured or loses money as a result of other people’s actions.
The bank may be found liable for compensation to the victim if they are harmed in any way by the robbery. In cases where the bank has not taken adequate measures to guard against a known lack of security, the bank may be held liable for the incident. Expert witnesses or qualified lawyers are typically required to uncover these issues and identify bank culpability in the courtroom.
ATM robberies may be caused by an absence of other security measures, such as inadequate software or bank cards. While smaller banks may not have the resources to invest in cutting-edge technology, many branches can nevertheless purchase software to defend themselves from a variety of illicit activities. Neither the manager nor the owner of the bank should ignore these security standards because this makes it easier for a criminal to rob the ATM while the customer is there or after they have left.
How to Hold a Bank Liable for Personal Injury and Theft at ATM?
If a customer of a bank has the support of a lawyer, they may be able to hold the bank’s owner or manager accountable for inadequate security. By using expert witness testimony and evidence, the lawyer can expose any negligence or inaction on the bank’s part to prevent these crimes. Siman Law Firm in Los Angeles can assist you if you have any valid claim of personal injury or theft at an ATM.