ATMs became popular nearly the moment they were introduced to the market for several reasons, including the fact that they are extremely convenient. Not only can you get money at any time of the day or night, you can get it in locations far from your bank.
That said, there are downsides to ATMs. You may think it’s the fees but the real concern is that ATMs can be criminal magnets. Anyone who’s had to withdraw money alone at night may be familiar with the feeling of fear that someone could come up, attack them, and steal their money. But what if it happens – could the owner of the ATM be held accountable? In some cases, yes.
The owner of an ATM has a responsibility to take reasonable steps to keep their customers safe. If they do not do so then they could potentially be held liable for any damages their customer suffered. If you have been injured due to unsafe circumstances that could have been prevented, you may have grounds to be compensated for your damages. Keep reading to find out how an ATM owner could be at fault and then contact Justice 4 Crime Victims at to speak to a victims rights attorney who can help you.
They installed their ATM in an unsafe location
The safest time to withdraw money is during the day in a business area with plenty of witnesses. However, not everyone can do that. If a company installs an ATM, it should be in a location with plenty of light and this clearly viewable from a street or other populated area. It is the responsibility of the owner of the ATM to replace any lights when necessary and to ensure nothing permanently obstructs a view to the ATM, such as large plants.
There were no mirrors installed
A person who is withdrawing money is likely preoccupied with correctly completing the transaction. This would be even harder if they had to constantly glance over their shoulder to ensure no one is walking up behind them. This is why mirrors are installed on ATMs – so customers can keep an eye on what’s going on behind them while completing their transaction.
Security cameras were not installed
Any ATM built in the last decade should have at least one camera built into it to record any suspicious events. If there is no built-in camera then the owner of the machine should find another way to record events in the area. Though the camera cannot stop attacks, it can make a robber less likely to choose a particular machine.
Have you been the victim of a crime? Do you feel as though you should be able to hold someone accountable but do not know where to turn? You have found the right place. At Justice 4 Crime Victims we can walk you through this process and help you understand your options. Contact us at 949-585-9055 now for a free legal consultation.
