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What to Do If You’ve Been a Victim of a Violent Crime at a Bank or ATM

ATMs are, unfortunately, common targets for violent crime, including armed robbery and assault. This is so because ATMs serve customers who often come and go with large amounts of cash. These customers are easy targets. That is banks and other facilities where ATMs are located should be well-aware of the inherent risks associated with their operation. These entities have a legal duty to ensure that these ATMs are safe—such as having adequate lighting around the ATM, installing cameras and alarms, and even housing guards at or near the ATM. These are safeguards that can be undertaken to keep customers and employees safe. If these measures are lacking and an innocent party becomes the victim of a violent crime on one of these entities’ premises, banks and ATM facilities could potentially be held liable for failing to maintain their properties safe and secure.

If you have been the victim of a violent crime while visiting a bank or ATM, there will likely be several steps on the road to recovering from this traumatic experience. Here are a few of the first steps you should take in order to help restore your physical, emotional, and financial well-being:

Call 911. As with any other situation where life or property is threatened, the first step to take—as soon as you can safely do so—is to call 911. This will not only allow you to receive any medical attention that may be needed, but will also ensure that a police report is filed immediately. When speaking to the police, try to recall as many details about the incident as possible, including vehicles you may have seen or any identifying features of the perpetrator.
If your ATM/credit cards or checks were stolen, contact your bank to have them canceled as soon as possible. In addition, alert all three credit bureaus and ask them to add a fraud alert to your report in order to help safeguard against identity theft. You’ll also want to monitor your accounts and notify the authorities of the time, date, and location of any suspicious activity, which could help them locate the perpetrators.
Contact an attorney with experience in negligent security cases. As mentioned above, banks and other facilities with ATMs may be held liable for a third party’s violent crimes if they failed to implement reasonable security measures to deter foreseeable criminal activity. If you have been harmed by a violent crime at a bank or ATM, you may be able to seek recovery for your injuries through a negligent security lawsuit.

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The key to bringing a successful negligent security case is to work with an attorney who has extensive experience in this area of law. At Leighton Panoff Law, Attorney John Leighton is a nationally recognized expert in the field of violent crime and negligent security litigation. With over 35 years of experience, he is also the author of Litigating Premises Security Cases, a two-volume textbook used by lawyers across the country. To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, call us today at 888.988.1774.

What should I do if I’m attacked at a bank or ATM?

If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime at a bank or ATM, your first priority should be to call 911. Promptly reporting the incident ensures you receive medical attention if needed and initiates an official police report. Be sure to provide as many details as possible about the suspect and any vehicles or identifying characteristics. This information is vital for both law enforcement investigations and any future legal action, including a potential negligent security claim.

Can a bank be held liable for a crime that happens at an ATM?

Yes, banks and other ATM facility operators may be held liable for violent crimes that occur on their premises if they failed to implement reasonable security measures. These may include proper lighting, visible security cameras, alarm systems, or even trained security guards. If a facility neglects these responsibilities and someone is harmed as a result, the injured party may have grounds to file a negligent security lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.

What security measures should banks take to prevent ATM crimes?

Banks have a legal duty to ensure the safety of customers using ATMs. This includes installing adequate lighting around ATM areas, maintaining functional and visible security cameras, placing alarm systems, and deploying guards in high-risk locations. These measures are meant to deter foreseeable criminal activity. When they are missing or inadequate, and a customer is injured in a violent crime, the bank may be held responsible through a negligent security claim.

What are the first steps I should take after a robbery at an ATM?

After a robbery or assault at an ATM, immediately call 911 to get medical help and initiate a police report. Then, contact your bank to cancel stolen cards or checks and report any suspicious transactions. Notify all three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert to protect your identity. These actions not only protect your financial information but also document the incident for potential legal claims.

How can a negligent security attorney help if I’m injured at an ATM?

A negligent security attorney can evaluate whether the bank or property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. If their inaction contributed to the crime, an attorney can help you pursue a civil lawsuit for damages related to your physical, emotional, and financial suffering. They’ll gather evidence, consult security standards, and build a strong case to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Is identity theft a risk after an ATM robbery?

Yes, identity theft is a serious risk following an ATM-related robbery. Stolen ATM or credit cards, checks, or personal information can be used to access your accounts. To prevent further damage, immediately alert your bank, cancel the cards, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity. You should also place a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus to protect your credit and financial identity.

Why should I contact Leighton Panoff Law after a violent ATM incident?

Leighton Panoff Law offers unmatched expertise in negligent security cases involving banks and ATMs. Attorney John Leighton is a nationally recognized leader in this field, with over 35 years of experience and authorship of a widely used legal textbook. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a violent crime on a bank’s premises, Leighton Panoff Law can help you seek justice. Call 888.988.1774 to schedule a consultation today.

Article by:

John Leighton

A nationally-recognized trial lawyer who handles catastrophic injury and death cases. He manages Leighton Law, P.A. trial lawyers, with offices in Miami and Orlando, Florida. He is President of The National Crime Victim Bar Association, author of the 2-volume textbook,Litigating Premises Security Cases, and past Chairman of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Motor Vehicle, Highway & Premises Liability Section. Having won some of the largest verdicts in Florida history, Mr. Leighton is listed inThe Best Lawyers in America (14 years), “Top Lawyers” in the South Florida Legal Guide (15 years), Top 100 Florida SuperLawyer™ and Florida SuperLawyers (14 years), “Orlando Legal Elite” by Orlando Style magazine, and FloridaTrend magazine “Florida Legal Elite