Negligent Security Lawsuits: Rights and Compensation
Author: The Mayro Law Firm
Published: 2010/02/27 - Updated: 2026/01/31
Publication Type: Informative
Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates - Related Publications
Synopsis: This information outlines premises liability law as it relates to negligent security claims, a legal area particularly relevant for vulnerable populations including people with disabilities and seniors who may face heightened risks in poorly secured environments. The content comes from legal professionals at The Mayro Law Firm and has been quality-reviewed for accuracy, making it a reliable reference for understanding when property owners can be held accountable for failing to maintain adequate security measures. Victims of crimes occurring due to insufficient lighting, untrained security personnel, malfunctioning equipment, or other preventable security gaps may have legal recourse to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma - information that proves vital for individuals who may already face mobility challenges or other vulnerabilities when navigating public spaces.
- Topic Definition: Negligent Security Lawsuits
Negligent security lawsuits are a subset of premises liability in which property owners are held liable for unsafe conditions that cause injury to visitors or customers. In negligent security cases, the property owner or business is held liable for failing to provide adequate security to protect guests from violence.
Introduction
When a property owner or manager does not provide adequate security, and you are injured as a result of that negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through a negligent security claim under premises liability law.
Unfortunately, a property's negligent security has and can result in violent attacks, including assault, armed robbery, rape and sexual assault and kidnapping.
Main Content
Examples of Negligent Security Factors
A number of factors can contribute to negligent security. Some of the most common cases involve:
- Insufficient lighting.
- Poor training of security guards.
- Poor hiring practices for security positions.
- Failure to do background checks on personnel.
- Inadequate security for amount of property.
- Failure to provide new locks or security code when needed.
- Poor key or security code control.
- Failure to act when a known criminal is on or near the property, or when there has been an increase in violent crime in the area.
- Inadequate or malfunctioning security equipment, such as self-locking gates or security cameras.
Where Do Negligent Security Cases Often Occur?
As you might expect, commercial stores, malls and other shopping centers, amusement parks, and restaurants and bars are some of the most common properties involved in negligent security cases. In addition, hotels, motels, college campuses and apartment complexes are prevalent areas for premises liability security issues.
Compensation in Negligent Security Cases
Bringing a valid negligent security and premises liability claim can help a victim deal with the financial, physical and emotional aftermath of a violent crime. Compensation may be available for damages, such as:
- Lost income.
- Emotional suffering.
- Reduced earning capability.
- Loss of companionship, especially if a wrongful death resulted.
- Medical bills, including hospitalization, physical therapy and psychological counseling.
If you or someone you love has suffered a personal injury, or death, caused by negligent security, it is important to contact an experienced premises liability attorney right away. Evidence at the scene of the crime will need to be preserved, and there are time limits on when you can bring a lawsuit of this type into the courts.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Property security isn't just about preventing crime - it's about ensuring equal access to safe environments for everyone, regardless of physical ability or age. When businesses and property managers neglect basic security protocols, they create disproportionate risks for those least able to defend themselves or quickly escape dangerous situations. Understanding negligent security laws empowers victims to hold negligent parties accountable while encouraging property owners to maintain standards that protect all visitors. As violent crime patterns shift and new security technologies emerge, the principles outlined here remain foundational: property owners bear responsibility for foreseeable harm, and victims deserve both justice and fair compensation for injuries sustained on inadequately protected premises.Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by The Mayro Law Firm and published on 2010/02/27, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.