Dallas, TX Negligent Security Injury Attorney

Strategic Negligent Security Attorney Holding Property Owners Accountable in Dallas, Texas

In Texas, property owners have a general responsibility to avoid causing injuries to visitors under the state's premises liability laws. This duty of care may involve warning people of known hazards as well as regularly inspecting the property. Most people tend to think of slip and fall accidents, but premises liability can also extend to injuries caused by a lack of security.

At the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks, our Dallas, TX negligent security injury attorney can help you seek payment when a property owner's lack of precautions causes you to suffer harm. We have decades of experience in personal injury law, so you can trust us to investigate your claim in thorough detail.

When Is a Property Owner Liable for Negligent Security in Dallas?

Property owners and businesses in Dallas have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to protect the people who visit their premises from certain crimes. This duty becomes especially important in locations with a known history of crime, such as apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, bars, and retail stores.

When an owner is aware of prior criminal incidents on or near the property and fails to take reasonable precautions, they can be held liable for injuries that result from a foreseeable crime. Establishing liability in a negligent security case requires you to demonstrate that the damage was foreseeable and that the property owner did not take reasonable steps to avoid it.

Foreseeability can be demonstrated through evidence of prior crimes at the same location, similar incidents in the surrounding area, or specific warnings the owner received and ignored. Reasonable security measures can include adequate lighting, functioning locks, security cameras, security personnel, controlled access systems, and prompt repair of broken gates or doors.

When an owner cuts corners on these basic precautions, especially after being put on notice of a risk, the resulting harm can form the basis of a strong claim.

What Kind of Incidents Can Lead to Negligent Security Claims?

Negligent security claims can arise from a wide range of criminal acts that occur on poorly secured property. Assault and battery are common examples, particularly in parking lots, stairwells, and other areas with limited visibility or foot traffic. Robberies that occur in retail stores, gas stations, and other businesses with inadequate security measures can also support a claim when the business failed to take reasonable precautions against a known risk.

Sexual assaults that occur in apartment complexes, hotels, and other residential or commercial properties are among the most serious negligent security cases, particularly when the property had a history of similar incidents or known security deficiencies.

Shootings and other violent crimes at bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues can also give rise to claims when the venue failed to provide adequate security staffing or screening. In each of these situations, the focus of the claim is not solely on the criminal who committed the act, but on the property owner whose failure to provide reasonable security made the crime possible.

The Statute of Limitations in Negligent Security Accidents

In Texas, the statute of limitations for a negligent security claim is usually no more than two years from the date of the incident. This deadline applies even though the underlying harm was caused by a criminal act rather than ordinary negligence. Missing this deadline typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation entirely, no matter how strong the underlying claim may have been.

Evidence in negligent security cases such as security footage can also become harder to obtain as time passes. Acting promptly after a negligent security incident gives an attorney the best opportunity to gather and preserve the evidence needed to hold the responsible property owner accountable.

Contact a Dallas, TX Negligent Security Injury Lawyer

At the Law Office of J. Gregory Marks, our attorney is prepared to investigate the security failures that led to your injury and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our Dallas, Texas negligent security injury attorney or call 214-427-4417 to arrange your free consultation today.