If you’ve suffered harm due to inadequate security measures in a public or private property in Dallas, Texas, you may have a valid negligent security claim. At Aldous Law, our dedicated team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands the complexities of negligent security cases and is committed to helping victims pursue justice and compensation for their injuries. We strive to protect the rights of those who have been affected by negligent security practices and ensure that property owners are held accountable for their responsibilities.
For a free consultation with our team, call Aldous Law at (214) 526-5595 or contact our firm online. Based in Dallas, Texas, we serve clients across the U.S.
What Is Negligent Security Under Texas Law?
Negligent security refers to the failure of property owners, managers, or tenants to provide adequate security measures to protect individuals from foreseeable criminal acts or dangers on their premises. When a property lacks sufficient security, such as lighting, surveillance cameras, or trained security personnel, it can create an environment where criminal activity is more likely to occur. Victims of crimes, such as assault, robbery, or theft, may have a claim against the property owner if they can prove that the owner’s negligence in providing security contributed to their injuries.
Negligent security can arise in various scenarios, including:
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas can create hiding spots for criminals and make it difficult for individuals to see potential threats. Property owners must ensure that their premises are well-lit, especially in parking lots, walkways, and entrances.
- Lack of Surveillance Cameras: Many commercial properties, such as shopping malls, hotels, and apartment complexes, should have surveillance systems in place to deter criminal activity and provide evidence in the event of an incident. Failure to install or maintain these systems may lead to liability.
- Insufficient Security Personnel: Property owners may need to employ security personnel to monitor their premises, especially in high-crime areas. If a property owner fails to hire enough security staff or train them adequately, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
- Failure to Respond to Prior Incidents: If a property owner is aware of previous criminal activity on their premises and fails to take appropriate action to improve security measures, they may be held responsible for subsequent incidents.
- Improperly Maintained Access Control Systems: Many properties use gates, locks, and other access control systems to prevent unauthorized entry. If these systems are not adequately maintained, they can lead to criminal activity and property owner liability.
Where Negligent Security Incidents Commonly Occur
Assaults and Attacks in Apartment Complexes
Assaults, attacks, and sexual assaults in apartment complexes are an all-too-common issue in Dallas, Texas. These incidents often occur in poorly lit hallways, parking areas, and secluded corners where criminal activity can go unnoticed. The risk is higher in complexes with insufficient security measures such as inadequate lighting, a lack of surveillance cameras, or the absence of security personnel.
Tenant screening policies and community engagement also play roles in reducing crime, but even in well-managed complexes, lapses can expose residents to danger. Property owners and management companies have a legal duty to ensure a safe environment, and failure to do so can lead to liability when assaults happen on their premises.
Nightclub and Bar Incidents Involving Security Failures
Nightclubs and bars often face unique security challenges, especially during late-night hours when crowds are large and alcohol consumption is high. Negligent security in these venues include things like insufficient security staffing, lack of proper training, or failure to maintain secure entrances and can result in violent confrontations.
Parking Garage Crimes and Lighting Deficiencies
Parking garages and lots are common sites for criminal activity, particularly when lighting is poor, visibility is limited, or emergency systems are inaccessible. Property owners and managers are responsible for maintaining proper lighting and functioning security systems to deter crime. Failure to address known security weaknesses in these spaces can lead to premises liability claims if a visitor is injured due to inadequate safety.
School or University Campus Crimes
Campuses are intended to be safe learning environments, yet lapses in campus security can lead to assaults, theft, and other crimes. Insufficient patrols, poorly maintained lighting along pathways, and failure to address prior incidents can contribute to dangerous conditions for students and staff.
Property owners and administrators have a duty to implement comprehensive security strategies, including surveillance, access control, and emergency response protocols, to prevent injuries and ensure campus safety.
Hotel or Motel Crimes
Hotels and motels can be hotspots for criminal activity if security measures are inadequate. Poorly monitored entrances, limited camera coverage, and lack of trained security personnel create vulnerabilities for guests facing assault, theft, or harassment.
Owners who fail to maintain safe premises or respond properly to known criminal activity can be legally responsible for resulting injuries. Strong premises liability claims often hinge on demonstrating that negligent security contributed to a violent or dangerous incident on the property.
Surveillance Footage and Evidence Collection
Surveillance video and other security evidence are incredibly important in premises liability cases involving negligent security. Well-maintained cameras not only deter criminal acts but also provide invaluable proof of incidents, perpetrators, and the conditions at the time of an injury.
Property owners who neglect to install, monitor, or save such evidence may be found negligent. For victims, gathering surveillance footage, alongside police reports and witness statements, strengthens premise liability claims and supports efforts to hold responsible parties accountable.
How We Prove a Property Owner Failed to Protect You
Proving a negligent security claim can be complex. Here are some essential steps involved in building a strong case:
- Gather Evidence: Collect evidence of the crime, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the scene. This evidence can help establish the nature of the incident and the inadequacies in security.
- Document Past Incidents: If there have been prior crimes reported on the property, this information can be crucial in proving that the property owner was aware of the risks and failed to take appropriate action.
- Consult with Experts: Engaging security experts or consultants can provide valuable insights into the adequacy of security measures in place and how they may have contributed to the incident.
- Evaluate Security Practices: Analyzing the property owner’s security policies and practices can reveal whether they adhered to industry standards. Failure to do so may strengthen your case.
What Property Owners Are Required to Do to Keep You Safe
Property owners owe visitors a duty of reasonable care, which includes maintaining safe premises, implementing security measures appropriate to the location and risk factors, and promptly addressing known hazards. Failure to meet these obligations may result in liability for injuries.
Can You Sue If a Crime Happened on Private Property?
Yes. Under Texas premises liability law, victims injured by criminal acts may sue property owners if it’s proven that negligent security contributed to the harm. Legal claims rely on demonstrating the property owner’s breach of duty and causation between that breach and the injury.
What Compensation May Be Available in Negligent Security Cases
Victims may recover damages including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Wrongful death compensation for survivors in fatal cases
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Why Choose Aldous Law for Your Premises Liability Case
At Aldous Law, we recognize the impact injuries from negligent security have on victims’ lives and strive to relieve your burden by pursuing compensation for your injuries. Our Dallas premises liability attorneys bring years of successful experience handling premises injury cases involving negligent security, slip and fall, and other property hazards. We work closely with investigators, medical experts, and consultants to build compelling cases that maximize your compensation.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a Dallas negligent security law firm that fights relentlessly for you. Reach out to Aldous Law for more information.
