blog home Premises Liability How Can You Prove Negligent Security?

How Can You Prove Negligent Security?

By Grant Law Office on January 20, 2023

When a property owner or manager fails to take reasonable measures to protect tenants, visitors, or customers from foreseeable harm, and someone is injured as a result, that’s known as negligent security. Whether the injury occurred in an apartment complex, hotel, parking garage, or shopping center, victims may have a legal right to pursue compensation for what they’ve lost.

Wayne and Kimberly Grant are negligent security attorneys in Atlanta. At Grant Law Office we understand the devastating consequences of preventable violence and security failures. Our firm has successfully represented victims of violent acts that occurred because a property owner failed to take basic safety precautions. With over 60 years of combined experience, our husband-and-wife legal team is ready to help you hold negligent property owners accountable.

What Is Negligent Security?

Negligent security is a type of premises liability where a property owner or manager fails to provide adequate safety measures, resulting in someone being injured by a foreseeable act of violence or crime.

Assaulted in an Apartment Complex or Parking Lot?

You may be entitled to compensation. Contact Grant Law Office now at (404) 995-3955.

What Types of Damages Are Available?

Victims of negligent security can suffer severe and lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm. A successful claim may allow you to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses – Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and long-term treatment
• Lost income – Including future earnings if your injury affects your ability to work
• Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional trauma
• Mental health treatment – Including therapy, counseling, or PTSD-related care
• Loss of enjoyment of life – For long-term disability or lifestyle changes
• Property damage – If valuables were stolen or destroyed during the incident
• Punitive damages – In rare cases where the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless

We work with experts in medicine, economics, and life care planning to calculate the full value of your claim.

Who Can Be Liable?

Several parties may be held legally responsible in a negligent security case:

• Property owners who fail to provide adequate safety measures or ignore foreseeable risks in high-crime areas
• Property managers or landlords who ignore known dangers, fail to act on previous incidents, or refuse to invest in basic security improvements
• Security companies that provide untrained, inattentive, or underqualified personnel, or fail to properly monitor the property
• Maintenance companies that neglect essential safety-related upkeep, such as fixing broken locks, repairing entry gates, or replacing non-functioning lights
• Businesses or tenants in leased properties that assume responsibility for on-site security but fail to implement or enforce reasonable precautions

In some cases, more than one party may share legal responsibility, especially in large apartment complexes, shopping centers, or multi-tenant properties. For example, a landlord may own the building, but a third-party company may handle day-to-day operations or hire a private security firm. If any of these entities failed in their duties and that failure contributed to your injury, they may be liable.

Places Where Negligent Security Injuries Occur

Negligent security incidents can happen anywhere safety is not prioritized. Property owners and managers have a duty to anticipate potential dangers and take reasonable steps to prevent them. When they fail to do so, people can be seriously injured, or worse.

Common locations include:

• Apartment complexes – Especially those in high-crime areas or with a history of violence, where broken gates, poor lighting, or lack of patrols are often overlooked
• Hotels and motels – Where guests trust that management will provide safe entry points, secure locks, and adequate on-site monitoring
• Nightclubs and bars – Often crowded, these venues are prone to fights and other violence, especially when security staff are poorly trained or absent
• Parking garages and lots – Particularly dangerous at night or in poorly lit areas, where attackers can hide or escape easily
• Shopping malls and convenience stores – Including entrances, restrooms, and stairwells where cameras, lighting, and patrols may be lacking
• College campuses and dormitories – Where inadequate dorm security, failure to respond to reports, or lack of emergency systems put students at risk
• Hospitals or medical centers – Especially in public access zones like waiting rooms or parking areas where vulnerable people may be targeted
• Public transportation hubs – Including bus stations, train platforms, and transit stops, which are often understaffed and poorly secured

We analyze crime statistics, lighting conditions, property layouts, staffing logs, and prior incidents at these locations to build your case and show how a lack of reasonable security contributed to your injuries.

The Consequences of Negligent Security

The consequences of inadequate security can be severe. Victims may suffer:

• Physical assault or battery
• Sexual assault or harassment
• Armed robbery or mugging
• Shooting or stabbing injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Wrongful death of a loved one

These incidents can happen in seconds, but the impact can last a lifetime. We help clients seek the justice and financial support they need to recover.

Types of Property Owner Negligence That Leads to Injuries

Landlords and property managers are legally obligated to take reasonable steps to protect their tenants and visitors. Failing to address known risks or to implement basic safety measures can lead to legal liability. Common types of landlord negligence in security cases include:

Broken Locks

Exterior doors, gates, and apartment doors must have functioning locks. When locks are broken or not regularly maintained, unauthorized individuals can gain access, putting residents at risk.

Poor Lighting

Dim or non-functioning lights in stairwells, parking areas, hallways, and entryways make it easier for crimes to occur unseen. Proper lighting is a simple but essential security feature.

Unreliable or Broken Security Systems

Security cameras, alarm systems, and controlled access features must be working and monitored. In many cases, landlords fail to repair or properly operate these systems, leaving gaps in protection.

Poorly Trained Security Guards

Security personnel must be adequately trained to recognize threats, follow protocol, and intervene when needed. A guard who falls asleep, fails to patrol, or ignores misconduct may open the door to legal action.

Improper Screening of Security Personnel

Landlords and management companies have a duty to hire security staff with proper qualifications and clean records. Hiring guards without background checks or qualifications can be considered negligent hiring.

Hurt Because a Landlord Failed to Provide Security?

Let us help you hold them accountable. Reach out to Grant Law Office at (404) 995-3955.

Why Choose Us Over Other Negligent Security Lawyers in Atlanta?

Proving negligent security, however, requires conducting a thorough investigation and establishing a clear connection between the lack of security and the incident that caused the injury. Here’s why so many people in Atlanta have come to trust Grant Law Office:

• Over 60 years of combined legal experience – Proven results in complex premises liability and serious injury cases.
• Wayne Grant is AV Preeminent® rated by Martindale-Hubbell® – Recognized for the highest level of ethical and professional standards.
• Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2024 – Honored for excellence in personal injury litigation.
• Board-Certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys (ABPLA) – A mark of distinction in complex legal cases.
• Selected by Super Lawyers as one of Georgia’s top attorneys – Based on peer nominations and legal achievement.
• We investigate cases personally – Including gathering security footage, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the premises.
• Low caseloads for high-quality client service – Clients receive personal attention and regular communication.
• No fee unless we win your case – Free consultations and contingency-based representation.

What’s the Legal Process for a Negligent Security Case?

Negligent security claims fall under the category of premises liability, which means that a property owner or manager may be held responsible for failing to keep their property reasonably safe.

Here is how the process typically works:

1. Free Initial Consultation – We review the facts of your case and determine whether you may have a valid claim.
2. Investigation – We obtain police reports, video footage, crime history in the area, maintenance records, and witness statements.
3. Identify Negligence – We look for missing or broken security measures, history of similar crimes, and what the property owner did (or failed to do) in response.
4. Determine Liability – We identify all potentially responsible parties, which could include property owners, managers, or security companies.
5. File a Claim or Lawsuit – We seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
6. Negotiation or Trial – We pursue a fair settlement, and if the other side refuses to be reasonable, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Throughout the process, we work closely with clients to keep them informed and involved, while handling all legal strategy, deadlines, and negotiations.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?

Under Georgia law, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to most negligent security claims. However, if a government entity is involved (such as a publicly owned housing authority), you may have to file formal notice in as little as six months.

Every case is different and there are exceptions. That’s why we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney about your claim as soon as possible.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I cannot say enough about this great team!- Rochelle O (5-Star Google Review)

Mr. & Mrs. Grant are by far the best! They communicate well. They handled our case with “care and compassion.” Their office staff is professional. I cannot say enough about this great team! Would definitely recommend this law firm. Professional, compassionate, [and] diligent!

Wayne and Kim Grant were beyond excellent – Eric Casterlow (5-Star Google Review)

I can’t even say enough about the team my wife had at this firm. Wayne and Kim Grant were beyond excellent as they displayed compassion, transparency, and understanding while diligently navigating and handling her case with the same importance as if it were them. Over the time that we have been dealing with them, they have somewhat become like family and my wife and I are ever so grateful to them. Grant Law Firm is truly one of the greatest firms (if not the greatest) that don’t operate off gimmicks, catchy slogans, or jingles to garner the attention of the communities in need. There are not enough stars here to accurately depict the class, quality, and professionalism of Grant Law Firm. Just pure excellence!

Speak With a Trusted Atlanta Negligent Security Attorney Today

If you or a loved one was injured due to negligent security, don’t wait to seek legal help. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and emotional suffering. At Grant Law Office, we provide strategic, compassionate representation to help you move forward.

Call us today at (404) 995-3955 to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Negligent Security FAQs

How do I know if I have a negligent security case?

If you were assaulted, robbed, or injured on someone else’s property and the incident could have been prevented with reasonable security measures, you may have a valid claim. Speaking with an attorney can help clarify whether the property owner’s actions, or inaction, were legally negligent.

What types of injuries are involved in negligent security cases?

Common injuries include physical assault, gunshot wounds, stab wounds, sexual assault, trauma from robbery, and emotional or psychological harm such as PTSD.

Can a landlord be held responsible if I was attacked on their property?

Yes. If a landlord failed to fix broken locks, ignored prior criminal activity, or failed to provide basic lighting or security, they may be held legally responsible for your injuries.

What kind of evidence is used in negligent security cases?

Evidence may include police reports, security footage, photographs, witness statements, crime statistics for the area, maintenance logs, and records of prior incidents on the property.

What damages can I recover in a negligent security lawsuit?

You may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, mental health treatment costs, and compensation for long-term disability or emotional trauma.

Can a business be liable if I was attacked in their parking lot?

Yes. Businesses are responsible for keeping their premises, including parking lots, reasonably safe for customers. Poor lighting, lack of security patrols, or failure to respond to prior incidents can all contribute to liability.

What if the security guard failed to act or was poorly trained?

Security companies and property owners can be held liable if a guard failed to respond appropriately, lacked training, or had a background that should have disqualified them from being hired.

How much does it cost to hire Grant Law Office?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call us at (404) 995-3955 to schedule your free consultation.

About Grant Law Office

Grant Law Office is a boutique personal injury law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for delivering strategic, compassionate legal representation to individuals and families impacted by serious injuries. Founded by the husband-and-wife team of Wayne and Kimberly Grant, our firm brings more than 60 years of combined legal experience to every case. We are proud to offer the resources of a seasoned legal team with the personalized attention of a small, focused practice.

Our firm represents clients in a wide range of injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, negligent security incidents, traumatic injuries, and construction-related accidents. We intentionally limit our caseload to ensure that each client receives direct access to their attorney, individualized attention, and clear, consistent communication from start to finish.