When you visit a store, apartment complex, or attend a concert, you expect the property to be safe. But when security is lacking and you suffer harm as a result, you may have grounds for a negligent security claim.
At DM Injury Law, we help individuals injured due to inadequate or negligent security take legal action. If you’ve been hurt because someone failed to keep their property safe, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security refers to the failure of a property owner or manager to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. These cases fall under premises liability law.
What Does Security Negligence Look Like?
- Broken or non-functioning security cameras
- Poor lighting in parking garages or stairwells
- Lack of trained security staff at high-risk venues
- Broken gates or entry locks in apartment complexes
- No emergency response plan for events or large gatherings
Learn more about event security here
When property owners overlook these issues, the results can be devastating and legally actionable.
Read More: How Lack of Security Measures Can Lead to Premises Liability
Where Do Negligent Security Claims Happen?
Common locations for negligent security cases include:
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels and resorts
- Nightclubs and bars
- Malls and shopping centers
- Office buildings and parking structures
In each of these, the failure to provide adequate safety measures can create an environment where assaults, robberies, or worse may occur.
When Can You File a Negligent Security Lawsuit?
To pursue a negligent security lawsuit, you’ll need to prove:
- The property owner had a duty to provide reasonable security
- That duty was breached
- A foreseeable crime occurred as a result
- You suffered harm directly because of the breach
How Does Insurance Factor into Negligent Security Lawsuits?
Many property owners carry general liability or commercial property insurance to cover incidents on their premises. However, these policies often have stipulations and may not fully cover security negligence lawsuits, especially if prior complaints or crimes were ignored.
Insurance carriers may deny or limit coverage if the property:
- Had a known history of criminal activity
- Failed to take corrective security measures
- Was negligent in addressing tenant or visitor complaints
For victims, this often means navigating both a legal and insurance battle. That’s why having experienced legal representation is crucial in negligent security claims, to make sure you’re pursuing every possible avenue for recovery.
5 Tips for Property Owners: How to Prevent a Negligent Security Claim
If you’re a property owner, here are 5 ways to protect both you and your tenants from liability:
- Conduct Routine Security Audits: Regularly assess the physical security of your premises.
- Upgrade Lighting and Surveillance: Ensure dark areas are well-lit and monitored with functioning cameras.
- Hire and Train Security Staff: Particularly for large venues or high-traffic locations.
- Maintain Access Control: Use secure entry systems and keep door locks functional.
- Document and Respond to Incidents Promptly: Keep a log of all security events and take immediate action when needed.
Taking these steps doesn’t just reduce liability, it protects the people who trust your property to be safe.
DM Injury Law Protects the Rights of Victims of Premise Liability Accidents
Negligent security lawsuits are about accountability. If a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to keep visitors or residents safe, they can be held legally responsible for resulting harm.
If you or someone you know was injured due to security negligence, you may be eligible for compensation through a premises liability claim. At DM Injury Law, we help victims understand their rights and build strong cases to hold negligent property owners accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, just answers. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
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