What Is a Negligent Security Case?
A negligent security case involves suing a property owner, such as an apartment complex, condominium association, or homeowners’ association (HOA), for failing to provide reasonable safety measures or for failing to act when they knew—or should have known—about dangerous criminal activity occurring on or near the property. Property owners have a legal duty to protect residents and visitors from foreseeable harm, and when they breach this duty, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
These cases often arise when there is a history of frequent criminal activity in the area, such as gang violence, shootings, assaults, robberies, or other dangerous events. If the property management failed to implement reasonable precautions—like security personnel, adequate lighting, surveillance cameras, secure access points, or proper warning systems—and someone is injured as a result, victims may have a legal claim.
Negligent security claims require demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the risk and did not take adequate steps to prevent harm. Evidence often includes police reports, prior incident logs, witness statements, and details about the property’s security policies and practices. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather this evidence, evaluate liability, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
