Negligent security occurs when a property owner or business fails to provide reasonable protection for visitors and guests, resulting in harm from crime or violence that could have been prevented. Under state law, owners of properties such as apartment buildings, parking lots, hotels, bars, shopping centers, and other commercial sites are required to maintain safe and secure environments. This means taking reasonable steps to address foreseeable criminal activity, such as installing adequate lighting, securing entryways with functioning locks, hiring security personnel, and installing surveillance cameras. When these measures are ignored, and someone suffers an assault, robbery, or other harm, the injured person may have grounds to file a negligent security claim against the responsible parties.

To win a negligent security lawsuit in Missouri, it’s necessary to show that the property owner or party controlling the premises owed a legal duty of care, breached that duty by failing to provide adequate security, and that this carelessness directly caused injury. Determining liability depends on the facts, including whether the crime or attack was reasonably foreseeable and what actions could have stopped it. Those who can be held liable include the property owner, a business operating on the property, property management companies, and sometimes third-party security firms. For example, if a business fails to repair broken locks, neglects to hire security guards in a high-risk area, or ignores poor lighting in its parking lot, it may be liable for damages if a visitor is injured due to these lapses.

Victims of negligent security are entitled to seek compensation for emergency medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and sometimes even wrongful death. Missouri’s statute of limitations for negligent security claims is generally five years, making prompt action essential for preserving evidence and protecting one’s rights. These cases are highly fact-specific, with liability based on what is reasonable for the property type, location, history of crime, and the owner’s response to known risks. Consulting a premises liability attorney can help victims gather evidence, identify which parties may be responsible, and pursue fair compensation.

Navigating this type of claim can be complex and time-consuming. Consulting with an experienced law firm ensures that victims and their families can gather the right evidence, work with experts, and advocate for maximum compensation. Gunn | Slater provides valuable, comprehensive insight into personal injury cases and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for their clients. 

If you or someone you know suspects that they suffered an injury due to negligent security, do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gunn | Slater for effective and personalized consultation.