Negligent Security Attorney in Houston

Male security guard talking by telephone in surveillance room.

Did you suffer harm because of poor security at a business or public space in Houston? If so, you could be entitled to monetary compensation through an inadequate security claim. A Houston negligent security lawyer from Fleming Law can gather the evidence you need and file a claim. We can also handle all the legal paperwork and communicate with the other parties involved on your behalf.

Don’t wait to seek justice for what happened. Contact a Houston negligent security lawyer at Fleming Law today to discuss your Houston negligent security claim in a free initial case evaluation.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a failure by property owners or occupiers to provide adequate security measures to keep people safe on their properties. This means they don’t take enough steps to protect people from possible criminal activity. When owners ignore important safety measures like proper lighting or functional door locks, they put visitors at risk of dangerous situations like thefts, assaults, or worse. Contact our Houston negligent security lawyer today.

Where Could Negligent Security Happen in Houston?

Below is a list of common types of locations in Houston where negligent security measures can have dangerous consequences:

  • Apartment complexes
  • Residential communities
  • Parking garages
  • Shopping malls
  • Restaurants
  • Nightclubs
  • Bars
  • College campuses
  • Hotels
  • Hospitals
  • Banks
  • Office buildings
  • Public parks
  • Schools
  • Movie theaters
  • Festivals and outdoor events
  • Sports stadiums
  • Airports
  • Museums
  • Amusement parks
  • Gyms
  • Swimming pools
  • Grocery stores
  • Retail stores
  • Construction sites
  • Places of worship

What Crimes Can Happen at Apartment Complexes Due to Negligent Security?

You should feel safest at home. Unfortunately, negligent security incidents frequently occur at apartment complexes. Houston apartment complex owners who neglect their residents’ safety increase the risk of serious crimes on their properties, such as:

  • Theft: Apartment complexes without secure locks, alarm systems, or surveillance cameras invite theft. Criminals target these areas, knowing they can break in without being caught.
  • Sexual assault: A lack of proper lighting and secure locks puts residents at greater risk of sexual assault in dimly lit parking lots, hallways, or even their homes.
  • Rape: Unsecured entry points and inadequate surveillance make it easier for rapists to enter apartment complexes undetected and target victims.
  • Shootings: The absence of security personnel and adequate lighting can create an environment where shooters can plan and execute attacks with little resistance.
  • Stabbings: Without security guards or adequately secured premises, individuals with harmful intentions can easily access buildings and stab residents.
  • Killings: When apartment complexes fail to implement adequate security measures, residents are vulnerable to individuals intent on causing fatal harm.

Are Houston Apartment Owners Required to Have Security Measures in Place?

Texas law sets clear requirements for apartment owners when putting security measures in place. Specifically, apartment owners in Houston and throughout Texas must install certain security devices to protect tenants from potential intruders and reduce the risk of crimes within their living spaces. These include safety measures like keyless bolting devices, door viewers, and latches on doors and windows. If an apartment owner fails to comply with these security requirements, they could be held responsible for any incidents that occur because of this negligence. Our Houston negligent security attorney can help.

What Types of Security Measure Violations Can Happen on a Property?

The following security violations put residents and visitors at a particularly high risk of serious injury:

  • Lack of keyless bolting devices on doors
  • Missing or non-functional door peepholes
  • Inadequate lighting for parking lots or walkways
  • Broken or missing window latches
  • Unsecured or broken gates or fences
  • Faulty or absent smoke detectors
  • Inadequate security cameras or alarm systems
  • Inoperative or non-existent emergency exits
  • Failure to replace or rekey locks between tenants
  • Unmaintained or obstructed fire escapes

Can I Sue a Houston Apartment Owner for Negligent Security?

Someone hurting or stealing from you in a Houston apartment complex doesn’t automatically put the owner at fault. To have a valid case, you must prove that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect you from foreseeable harm, which directly contributed to the injuries and other harm you suffered. If the apartment complex lacked reasonable security measures, and this oversight contributed to the incident, then the owner might be considered negligent. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise whether you have a case for suing a Houston apartment owner for negligent security. Contact our Houston negligent security lawyer for a case review.

What Do I Need to Prove Liability in a Negligent Security Claim?

Gathering strong evidence is key for a successful negligent security claim. This proof should demonstrate that the property owner knew or should have known about the security risks but did not act to prevent them.

Below are examples of evidence a lawyer might use to build a strong negligent security case on your behalf:

  • Security camera footage
  • Incident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Photos of the scene
  • Police reports
  • Previous complaints about security
  • Expert testimony on security standards
  • Maintenance records
  • Correspondence with property management
  • Patrol logs from security guards
  • Property layout and lighting photographs
  • Lease agreements

What Damages Can I Recover in a Houston Negligent Security Claim?

If you’ve been hurt or otherwise harmed due to poor security, you can seek compensation for the various ways the incident affected you.

This could include damages to pay you for your:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property loss or damage

Is There a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Negligent Security Claim in Texas?

You have two years from the day the incident happened to file a negligent security lawsuit. If you wait too long and try to file after this period, you likely won’t be able to recover compensation for the harm you suffered. Hiring a negligent security lawyer promptly after the incident can protect your personal injury claim and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve without delay. Contact our Houston premises liability lawyer today.

Contact a Houston Negligent Security Lawyer

If you’ve suffered harm due to inadequate security in Houston, Fleming Law is here to help. Find out how we can seek to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable for their actions. Contact our Houston negligent security attorneys now to discuss your case in a free consultation session.