Safety Failures Have Consequences

People should not have to worry about violence while walking to their car, visiting a business, staying at a hotel, or attending an event. Yet assaults, robberies, and other attacks often happen in places like apartment complexes, parking garages, bars, shopping centers, and venues when basic security is ignored. The injuries may be physical, but the emotional impact can be just as lasting, especially when the attack leaves someone feeling unsafe in everyday life.

These cases are personal and difficult. Many victims hesitate to come forward out of fear, embarrassment, or concern that they will not be believed. Others assume there is no way to prove the property owner was responsible. A negligent security claim can provide a path to accountability when the harm was preventable, and premises liability law exists to address these safety failures. The Stuckey Firm works with you, not just for you. We take time to listen, explain the process clearly, and pursue justice in a way that honors what you have been through.

When you are hurt, you deserve support that makes life easier, not harder. Hiring a lawyer can remove the stress of dealing with insurance companies and legal deadlines while you focus on healing.

What Is a Negligent Security Claim?

A negligent security claim is a premises liability case that arises when a person is harmed by criminal conduct because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors, guests, or residents. These claims often involve violent incidents such as assaults, sexual assaults, shootings, or robberies that may have been prevented with appropriate security measures.

The legal focus is usually on foreseeability and prevention. If a property had a history of crime, poor lighting, broken locks, unsecured entrances, malfunctioning cameras, or no security staff in a high-risk setting, the owner may be held responsible. Ohio negligence principles guide how fault is evaluated, and the Ohio Revised Code provides direct access to civil liability statutes that apply in these cases.

Negligent security claims may involve hotels, event venues, apartment buildings, parking lots, businesses, and other locations open to the public. Early action matters because important evidence can disappear quickly.

The Benefits of Working With a Personal Injury Attorney for Negligent Security Claims

  • A Strong Start With Evidence Preservation. Security footage, incident reports, call logs, and surveillance records are often time-sensitive, and an attorney can act quickly before key proof is overwritten or lost.
  • A Clear Path to Proving Foreseeability. These cases often turn on whether the risk was predictable based on prior incidents, known safety problems, or common sense hazards, and legal counsel can build that narrative with supporting records.
  • Support That Recognizes Trauma. Negligent security victims often face both physical injuries and emotional harm, and a strong claim can document medical treatment, counseling needs, time away from work, and the lasting impact on peace of mind.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage Against Powerful Defendants. Property owners and insurers frequently deny responsibility, and thorough, trial-ready preparation strengthens negotiations while protecting your ability to pursue accountability through litigation if needed.
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Does My Situation Require a Negligent Security Attorney?

You may want legal guidance if you were assaulted or harmed on property where safety measures were missing, poorly maintained, or ignored. These claims often apply when the attack occurred in an apartment complex, hotel, bar, parking area, shopping center, or event space, particularly where there were prior warnings, complaints, or a known history of crime.

Warning signs may include broken locks, faulty gates, poor lighting, missing security staff, malfunctioning cameras, or management refusing to respond to prior incidents. If you were told it “just happens” or your concerns were minimized, those facts may matter. A confidential consultation can help evaluate whether the owner had notice of danger and failed to take reasonable steps to reduce risk.

The Negligent Security Claim Process What to Expect

Step One: Listening, Planning, and Immediate Support

We begin by hearing your story, understanding the impact of what happened, and discussing your medical needs and safety concerns. We also give practical guidance on what documentation matters early.

Step Two: Building the Evidence Picture

We gather police reports, medical records, photographs, witness information, and any available video footage. We also investigate property conditions, incident history, and security policies to understand what protections were missing.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand Strategy

Once the facts are clear, we build a demand that reflects medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and the emotional impact of the attack. We pursue compensation based on evidence, not pressure.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some cases resolve through settlement discussions. Others require litigation when property owners deny foreseeable risk or refuse accountability. We prepare every claim with court readiness so your options stay protected.

We prepare every case with trial-level attention, even though many claims settle before trial. The goal is always the best outcome, not unnecessary court time.

Common Negligent Security Issues

Negligent security cases often involve preventable gaps in safety where reasonable measures could have reduced risk. Common examples include:

  • Broken locks, unsecured doors, or faulty gates that allow unauthorized entry
  • Poor lighting in stairwells, parking lots, walkways, or building entrances
  • Malfunctioning or unmonitored surveillance cameras
  • No security personnel in high-risk areas, especially during known problem times
  • Prior assaults, robberies, or police calls that were ignored by property management
  • Failure to warn visitors or residents about known safety risks
  • Inadequate employee training or understaffing in locations where safety supervision matters

These cases are not about proving intent. The legal question is whether the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a foreseeable danger. For general federal information on victim services and trauma resources, many people find support through the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime, which provides information on victim rights and assistance options.

“I had a very complex case. PJ with the Stuckey Firm did the most outstanding job. I’m very grateful for his help and would absolutely recommend them for your legal needs.”

—B.B.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

What Makes Us Different

The Stuckey Firm is a client-first personal injury practice built on client trust and attorney-driven service. We approach negligent security cases with discretion, clarity, and a strong respect for what the victim has endured.

Trial-Ready, Thorough Preparation

These cases often involve businesses, large insurers, and aggressive legal defense. We focus on early investigation, prompt evidence preservation, and detailed case-building so the claim is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Proven Results and Representation

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing strong, well-supported claims. That credibility matters when property owners try to deny foreseeability or minimize violent harm as unavoidable. You deserve a legal team that takes your experience seriously and pursues accountability with purpose.

Negligent Security Frequently Asked Questions

What does negligent security mean in a legal case?

What does negligent security mean in a legal case?
Negligent security refers to harm caused by criminal activity when a property owner fails to take reasonable safety measures. The claim focuses on foreseeability, missing protections, and whether the owner ignored known risks.

Can I bring a negligent security claim if the attacker is never identified?

Can I bring a negligent security claim if the attacker is never identified?
Yes. These cases focus on the property owner’s safety failures, not the identity of the offender. Even if the attacker is unknown, the property may still be legally responsible for preventable conditions.

How soon should I speak with a lawyer after an assault?

How soon should I speak with a lawyer after an assault?
As early as possible. Surveillance footage can be overwritten quickly, and property conditions may change. Early legal guidance helps preserve key evidence and strengthens your ability to pursue accountability.

Do I have to prove the property owner knew violence could happen?

Do I have to prove the property owner knew violence could happen?
Usually, you must show that the danger was foreseeable. That may involve prior incidents, police calls, complaints, or obvious safety issues. Evidence can include crime history, maintenance records, and security policies.

What types of damages can be recovered in a negligent security claim?

What types of damages can be recovered in a negligent security claim?
Recovery may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, counseling costs, and other losses caused by the attack. The value depends on severity, documentation, and long-term impact.

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Get Support After a Preventable Attack

If you were harmed because a property failed to provide reasonable security, you do not have to face the next steps alone. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation and get clear guidance from a team committed to pursuing accountability with respect and care.

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If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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