Texas Negligent Security Lawyer

Put Decades of Experience in Your Corner

Hilliard Law is an award-winning trial practice with proven experience handling property-related injury claims – including those involving injuries caused by security failures. 

If you or someone you love has been harmed because a property owner failed to provide adequate security, you may be able to pursue a civil lawsuit and compensation for your injuries. As a firm that’s recovered millions of dollars in compensation for clients across Texas, we have what it takes to handle these complex claims and fight for the justice you deserve.

Our Texas negligent security attorneys at Hilliard Law offer FREE consulations. Request yours by calling (361) 882-1612 or contacting us online.

What Is a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

A negligent security lawsuit is a type of premises liability claim filed when a person is injured on someone else's property due to inadequate or insufficient security measures. 

In Texas, property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for visitors, which includes providing adequate security to protect against foreseeable crimes and harm. When they fail to meet this duty, and someone is injured as a result, the victim can file a negligent security lawsuit to seek compensation for their injuries.

Examples of negligent security include:

• Lack of security personnel in areas known for high crime rates
• Poorly lit parking lots and stairwells
• Broken or inadequate locks on doors and windows
• Malfunctioning or absent security cameras
• Failure to control access to the property
• Lack of emergency response protocols

Who Is Liable for Injuries Caused by Negligent Security?

Liability for injuries caused by negligent security typically falls on the property owner or manager. However, other parties can also be held liable depending on the circumstances. 

Examples of liable parties in negligent security cases include:

• Property Owners: They are responsible for ensuring their property is safe and secure.
• Property Managers: If a property manager oversees security measures, they can be held liable for any lapses.
• Security Companies: If a third-party security company was contracted to provide security and failed to do so adequately, they might share liability.

Types of Negligent Security Cases We Handle

Our firm has extensive experience handling a range of premises liability cases involving victims who suffered harm and losses due to negligent security. 

Some examples of the cases and injuries we handle include:

• Physical Assaults: Injuries resulting from physical attacks that occurred due to lack of security measures such as guards or surveillance.
• Sexual Assaults: Cases where inadequate lighting, broken locks, or insufficient security protocols allowed for sexual assaults to occur.
• Nightclub Injuries: Harm suffered in bars, clubs, or entertainment venues due to overcrowding, insufficient bouncers, or lack of emergency procedures.
• Parking Lot Robberies/Muggings: Injuries and losses from robberies or muggings in poorly lit or unsecured parking areas.
• Apartment Complex Attacks: Incidents where residents or visitors were harmed due to broken security gates, lack of security patrols, or insufficient tenant screening.
• Hotel and Motel Incidents: Cases involving guests injured due to inadequate security measures in hotels or motels.
• Retail and Shopping Mall Crimes: Injuries resulting from crimes in retail stores or shopping centers due to lack of proper security.
• Event and Concert Injuries: Harm suffered at large gatherings due to poor crowd control, insufficient security presence, or lack of emergency planning.

How to Prove Fault and Liability in a Negligent Security Case

Negligent security cases fall under premises liability law, which requires plaintiffs to establish certain elements to prove liability. 

To succeed in a negligent security lawsuit, you must demonstrate that:

• Duty of Care: The property owner or manager had a duty to provide reasonable security measures.
• Breach of Duty: They failed to meet this duty by providing inadequate security.
• Causation: The lack of adequate security directly caused your injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual harm or losses because of the injuries.

Compensation in Negligent Security Cases

Victims of negligent security can seek various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

How Our Firm Can Help

Our firm provides comprehensive support throughout the entire legal process, including:

• Case Evaluations: We offer free consultations to evaluate the details of your case and determine its merits.
• Investigations: Our team conducts thorough investigations to gather evidence, including security footage, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
• Discovery: We engage in the discovery process to obtain necessary documents and information from the opposing party, including records of past crimes, assaults, and related security issues.
• Settlements: We negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties to secure fair settlements.
• Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate on your behalf.

Negligent Security FAQ

What Should I Do if I Am Injured Due to Negligent Security?

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Document the scene, take photos, and gather witness information.
• Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Texas?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the injury. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve your rights.

Can I File a Claim if the Crime Occurred in a High-Crime Area?

Yes. Property owners in high-crime areas have a heightened duty to provide adequate security measures. Failure to do so can make them liable for injuries resulting from foreseeable crimes.

Call for a FREE Consultation: Hilliard Law 

Hilliard Law is backed by a team of award-winning trial attorneys who know how help victims of negligence fight for justice. If you have questions about a potential case and how we can help, contact us. 

Contact us today. We offer FREE consultations and don’t collect a fee unless we win.