The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers represents people injured due to inadequate security in Galveston, Texas. Our Galveston negligent security lawyers investigate whether property owners failed to address foreseeable dangers and help victims pursue compensation. Contact us today at (409) 207-9299 for a free consultation.
Negligent security incidents can occur at apartments, hotels, stores, parking garages, and other properties. When inadequate security contributes to an assault or other violent crime, determining liability may require examining prior incidents, security measures, and what the property owner knew about the danger.
Why Choose the Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a Negligent Security Case in Galveston, TX?
Negligent security cases can be hard to prove. A claim may depend on prior crimes, security records, video, witness statements, and what the property owner knew before the attack. The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our Galveston personal injury attorneys offer:
- 58 years of combined experience
- More than $500 million recovered
- Recognition from Best Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Our Galveston premises liability lawyers can investigate the property, gather evidence, deal with insurers, and seek payment from those responsible for the harm. Contact us today for a free consultation at our Galveston, TX, law office.
What Is Negligent Security?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim. It may arise when a property owner fails to take reasonable steps to protect people from a known or predictable risk of crime.
A property owner is not automatically responsible for crimes committed by someone else. Under Texas law, liability may depend on whether the criminal conduct was foreseeable, whether the risk was unreasonable, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable precautions.
Courts may consider previous crimes in or near the area, including how recently and frequently they occurred and how similar they were to the incident in question. An attorney can review these circumstances to determine whether the property owner may have owed a duty to provide additional security.
What Are Examples of Poor Security?
The security measures needed at a property depend on its location, use, and known risks. A busy hotel may have different security needs from a small store or private apartment building.
Possible security problems include:
- Broken gates or locks
- Poor lighting
- Broken security cameras
- Unsecured entrances
- Failure to respond to known threats
- Lack of security staff when needed
- Failure to repair damaged security systems
- Poor control over keys or access cards
One security problem alone does not always prove negligence. The issue is whether the property owner failed to act reasonably based on the danger that could be expected.
Who May Be Liable for Negligent Security?
The property owner may be responsible in some cases, but other people or businesses may also control the property or its security.
Possible at-fault parties include:
- Property owners
- Landlords
- Property management companies
- Businesses
- Security companies
- Other parties that control the property
More than one party may share responsibility. A property owner may hire another company to manage the building or provide security services.
A lawyer can review contracts and other records to determine who controlled the area where the incident occurred.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Galveston Negligent Security Case?
If inadequate security contributed to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses and the personal impact of the incident. The damages available depend on the severity of your injuries, the evidence, and the circumstances of the case.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity: Loss of future income if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and ongoing discomfort caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress: Psychological effects, including anxiety, fear, and trauma
- Disability or disfigurement: Lasting physical limitations or permanent changes to your appearance
There is no standard settlement amount for a negligent security claim. A Galveston negligent security lawyer can evaluate your losses and help determine what compensation may be available under Texas law.
How Does Texas Comparative Fault Affect a Negligent Security Claim?
Texas uses a modified comparative responsibility system. A person generally cannot recover damages if their share of responsibility is greater than 50%.
If the injured person is 50% or less responsible, their damages are reduced by their share of fault. Fault may also be divided among several parties. Depending on the evidence, responsibility may also be assigned to the person who committed the criminal act, even if that person is not a defendant in the lawsuit.
Evidence about the property, security measures, and attack can help show how responsibility should be divided.
How Long Do You Have to File a Negligent Security Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas generally gives an injured person two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Some cases may have different deadlines or added requirements. It is also useful to begin gathering evidence well before the filing deadline.
Security video may be erased, property conditions may change, and witnesses may become harder to locate. An early investigation can help preserve proof of what happened.
Contact Our Galveston Negligent Security Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Property owners may have a duty to take reasonable security steps when they know about a risk of crime. When they fail to do so, an injured person may have grounds to seek payment for the resulting harm.
A Galveston negligent security attorney at the Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate the property, gather evidence, and identify the parties that may be responsible. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options after an injury caused by poor security.
