Negligent Security Claims: When Property Owners Fail to Keep Visitors Safe
Property owners have a legal duty to provide reasonable security for guests, tenants, and customers. When they fail to take appropriate safety measures and someone is injured as a result of criminal activity, the property owner may be held liable under negligent security law. At Kelleher Law, we help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation when inadequate security leads to preventable harm.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that arises when a property owner does not take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal activity. These cases commonly occur at locations such as:
Apartment complexes
Hotels and motels
Shopping centers
Parking garages
Bars and nightclubs
College housing
If a property owner knew or should have known that criminal activity was likely and failed to provide adequate security, they may be legally responsible for injuries that occur.
Examples of Inadequate Security
Negligent security can involve many failures, including:
Poor or non-functioning lighting
Broken or unsecured entry doors
Lack of security personnel
Malfunctioning surveillance cameras
Failure to respond to prior criminal incidents
When previous crimes or safety complaints exist, property owners are expected to take steps to reduce risk. Ignoring these warning signs can put innocent people in danger.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Negligent Security
Victims of negligent security incidents may suffer serious injuries, including:
Assault and battery injuries
Gunshot or stabbing wounds
Head and traumatic brain injuries
Emotional trauma and PTSD
These injuries often result in long-term medical care, lost income, and emotional distress that can impact every part of a person’s life.
Proving a Negligent Security Claim
To establish negligent security, it must be shown that the property owner failed to implement reasonable safety measures and that this failure directly contributed to the injury. Evidence may include police reports, crime statistics, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness testimony.
Insurance companies frequently dispute these claims, making experienced legal representation critical.
Serving Victims in Florida and Georgia
At Kelleher Law, we proudly represent victims in Naples, Fort Myers, and throughout Southwest Florida, as well as Roswell and the greater Atlanta area in Georgia.
