Security relies too much on appearances. A few cameras, a locked door, or some lights in the hallway might check a box on paper, but if they don’t deter crime or protect people, they don’t count for much. When someone gets assaulted, robbed, or worse in a building that was supposed to be “secure,” the blame doesn’t just stop with the attacker. The property owner might be responsible, too.
This is where inadequate security crosses paths with premises liability. And no, they aren’t two separate issues. Inadequate security is a type of premises liability claim—a specific kind where someone is injured because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts.
Premises Liability Covers More Than Slippery Floors
Slip-and-falls might be the stereotype, but premises liability covers a lot more than puddles and broken steps. At its core, it’s about responsibility. Specifically, a property owner’s duty to keep lawful visitors reasonably safe.
That duty extends to protection from violent crime, especially in places with a known history of incidents. If someone is assaulted in a stairwell that’s been a problem area before, and the owner failed to add lighting or security, that’s carelessness that has bridged into something legally actionable.
Patterns of Crime Aren’t Optional to Ignore
One of the biggest questions in these cases is whether the property owner knew, or should’ve known, about previous crimes. A pattern of break-ins, assaults, or suspicious activity puts an owner on notice. And once they’re aware, they can’t look the other way.
Courts don’t expect property owners to predict every crime. However, they do expect action when there’s a clear risk. That includes upgrading security, warning residents or visitors, or at the very least, maintaining what’s already in place.
Security Features Only Matter If They Work
Locks that don’t latch. Security cameras that haven’t worked in months. A single guard covering multiple buildings with no training. These unfortunate oversights are clear signs of neglect.
If a crime happens because basic security measures failed, that’s grounds for liability. Property owners are expected to install and maintain working systems. Skipping maintenance, hiring untrained staff, or cutting corners on safety isn’t just bad business—it puts people in danger.
Silence About Known Risks Can Be Just as Harmful
Sometimes, property owners do the bare minimum to meet code but say nothing when there’s a serious, ongoing threat. If multiple incidents have occurred in a specific location, say, a garage or side entrance, and management fails to warn tenants or customers, that silence may count as negligence.
People can’t take steps to protect themselves if they’re not informed. When owners keep quiet about risks, they’re denying others the ability to make safe choices.
Injuries from Inadequate Security Can Justify Compensation
The consequences of violent crime go far beyond the moment itself. Victims often face physical injuries, ongoing trauma, lost income, and disrupted lives. A successful premises liability claim can provide compensation for:
- Medical treatment and hospital bills
- Mental health support and counseling
- Lost wages or future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
A case won’t undo the damage, but it can provide a measure of justice and financial relief when it’s most needed.
Call Feldman Legal Group
If you were attacked, robbed, or assaulted because a property owner failed to take safety seriously, Feldman Legal Group is here to help. We take on negligent owners and fight for full accountability. Contact us today to talk about your case.
(877) 946-8293