Property owners in Missouri and Illinois have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. When they fail to do so, and someone is injured during an assault or violent incident, a negligent security claim may arise.

These cases often involve locations such as apartment complexes, parking garages, hotels, retail stores, or entertainment venues. The central question is whether the property owner knew or should have known about potential safety risks.

Evidence in negligent security cases may include prior criminal activity on the property, lack of functioning security cameras, poor lighting, broken access controls, or inadequate staffing.

Unlike many other personal injury claims, these cases may involve both criminal conduct and civil liability. Even though a third party may have committed the assault, the property owner may still bear responsibility if unsafe conditions contributed to the harm.

Victims of violent incidents often suffer serious physical injuries as well as lasting emotional trauma, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of returning to similar environments.

These cases require careful investigation into property history, security measures, and incident response.

Gunn | Slater works with individuals and families in Missouri and Illinois pursuing claims involving unsafe premises and serious injuries.