St. Louis Negligent Security Lawyer
Experienced, Dedicated, Compassionate Representation for Victims of Inadequate Security in Missouri & Illinois
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What is Negligent Security?
Understanding Negligent Security Claims
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim that arises when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect visitors or tenants from foreseeable crimes. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe from foreseeable dangers, including violent crimes that could have been prevented with adequate security measures.
To bring a negligent security claim, an injured person must show that:
- The property owner, landlord, or business operator had a duty to provide reasonable security
- That duty was breached (i.e., inadequate lighting, broken locks, lack of trained security staff)
- The breach directly allowed a crime to occur, causing injury
Proving these elements often requires investigating police records, prior criminal activity on the property, and whether the owner ignored known safety risks. That’s why working with an experienced negligent security lawyer in St. Louis is critical.
Additional Examples of Negligent Security
Property owners may be held accountable when they fail to provide basic protections such as:
- Functioning locks, gates, and security systems
- Adequate security cameras and surveillance
- Trained and properly staffed security personnel
- Appropriate responses to prior crimes on or near the property
- Proper lighting in hallways, stairwells, and parking lots
Even simple steps, such as repairing a broken lock or installing lighting, can make a significant difference between preventing crime and allowing serious harm to occur.
Negligent security lawsuits can arise in many different settings, such as:
- Apartment complexes or rental properties
- Hotels and motels
- Parking garages and lots
- Bars, nightclubs, or restaurants
- Retail stores and shopping centers
Common Incidents That Result in a Negligent Security Case
Victims may be entitled to pursue a claim after suffering from:
- Sexual assaults and attacks
- Assaults or physical attacks
- Armed robberies and muggings
- Shootings or stabbings
Compensation for Negligent Security Lawsuits
When negligent security leads to an injury, victims may be entitled to compensation for both financial and emotional losses. Depending on the case, recovery may include:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, ongoing care, therapy)
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Simon Law has the experience and resources to calculate the full scope of damages and pursue maximum recovery on your behalf.
Elements of a Premises Liability Claim
To prove a premises liability claim, the following elements need to be established:
- The defendant owned, leased, occupied, or controlled the property.
- The defendant was negligent in the use of or maintenance of the property.
- The plaintiff suffered harm.
- The defendant’s negligence caused or contributed to the harm.
Unfortunately, proving those elements is not always straightforward. That is why you must hire an experienced St. Louis premises liability attorney who can look into the specifics of your case.
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Common Questions About Negligent Security
What is Considered “Inadequate Security?”
Inadequate security refers to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable measures to protect visitors from foreseeable crime. This may include broken locks, a lack of lighting, no security cameras, or failing to hire security personnel where necessary.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Negligent Security Case?
Liability often falls on property owners, landlords, business operators, or management companies who failed to provide reasonable safety measures. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Missouri or Illinois for Negligent Security?”
In Missouri, you generally have five years to file a negligent security claim. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is typically two years. However, deadlines can vary depending on the details of your case, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Attorneys
When you need qualified and reliable guidance, you know where to turn. Simon Law is ready to listen to your story and review the complex aspects of your case.
Talk to a Negligent Security Lawyer Today
If you were injured because of inadequate security, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The negligent security attorneys at Simon Law have decades of experience holding property owners accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a trusted negligent security lawyer near you.