What Is Negligent Security?
When you step into a business establishment or reside in a rental property, you expect a reasonable level of safety and security. However, there are instances where inadequate security measures can lead to dangerous situations, resulting in harm to individuals. This legal concept is known as negligent security, and it’s vital for Texans to understand their rights in such cases. Indeed, property owners can and should be held liable when their negligence contributes to an assault, robbery, or other attack that likely would not have happened had the premises owner done their duty. Learn more about negligent security below, and contact Turley Law Firm in Dallas for help from a distinguished and successful Texas premises liability attorney.
Defining Negligent Security
Negligent security refers to the failure of a property owner, manager, or entity responsible for a premises to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals on their property. This failure can result in preventable criminal activities, such as assaults, robberies, sexual assaults or other violent acts, causing harm to visitors or tenants.
In Texas, property owners have a duty of care to maintain reasonably safe premises for individuals who are legally on their property. This duty includes taking necessary precautions to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. When property owners fail to fulfill this duty and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for negligence.
Examples of Negligent Security
Negligent security can manifest in various settings, including:
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Commercial Properties: Businesses such as malls, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores are obligated to provide adequate security measures to protect customers and employees. This may include ensuring proper lighting in parking lots, security personnel, surveillance cameras, and secure entry and exit points.
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Apartment Complexes: Landlords and property management companies must ensure the safety of tenants by addressing issues such as broken locks, malfunctioning security systems, and insufficient lighting in common areas. Failure to do so can lead to incidents such as break-ins, assaults, or thefts.
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Public Spaces: Parks, parking garages, and other public areas should be maintained in a manner that minimizes the risk of criminal activity. Lack of proper maintenance, surveillance, or security patrols can create opportunities for criminal behavior.
Proving Negligent Security
To establish a claim for negligent security, certain elements must be demonstrated:
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Duty of Care: The property owner or manager owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, meaning they had a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe premises.
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Breach of Duty: There was a breach of that duty, typically demonstrated by showing that the property owner failed to implement adequate security measures despite actual or constructive knowledge (knew or should have known) about the potential for criminal activity.
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Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries. This often involves proving that the criminal act was foreseeable and could have been prevented with proper security measures.
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Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual damages as a result of the negligent security, which can include medical expenses for physical injuries, lost wages for time missed from work or disability, mental and emotional pain and suffering, and other losses.
Seeking Legal Guidance
If you’ve been injured due to negligent security, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced personal injury attorney with experience in premises liability cases. At Turley Law Firm, we understand the complexities of Texas law and are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout the state.
Our team of skilled attorneys has a proven record of holding negligent property owners accountable for their actions and securing compensation for our clients. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your case, gather evidence to support your claim, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact Turley Law Firm for Help With Negligent Security Claims in Dallas and Throughout Texas Statewide
Negligent security can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. If you’ve been injured due to inadequate security measures on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the legal team at Turley Law Firm at 214-691-4025 or email turley@wturley.com today for a no-cost, confidential consultation. Our passionate Dallas attorneys serve clients throughout Texas and multiple Southern and Southwestern states. We are here to fight for justice and help you rebuild your life after a traumatic experience.
