DIG Law Group
Serving Florida, Texas & Arizona

Negligent Security Injuries

When a property owner's failure to provide reasonable security enables a violent crime, they can be held accountable. DIG Law investigates immediately, preserves the evidence before it disappears, and fights for every dollar you're owed. Free consultation, no fee unless we win.

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Ian Duncan, DIG Law attorney
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3 StatesFlorida · Texas · Arizona
Why DIG Law

Why DIG Law for Your Negligent Security Case? Simple.

In order to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for injuries stemming from negligent security incidents wherein a premises owner could have prevented a loss by employing reasonable security to thwart a foreseeable crime or incident, we take immediate action to investigate and gather the necessary evidence to prove the property owner had and could have and should have acted to keep their invitees/patrons safe.

Our experienced team remains committed to supporting victims of negligent security cases, offering personalized guidance and faithful representation every step of the way. If you've been harmed due to the negligent security at a premises, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discover how our dedicated team can help you pursue the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

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We Don't Get Paid Unless You Get Paid.

We front every cost of building your case - investigation, security experts, filing fees - and only get paid as a percentage of your recovery. If we don't win, you owe us nothing.

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Talk to a real attorney about your case any time, day or night. Surveillance footage disappears fast - call us immediately and we'll act right away to preserve it.

Licensed Trial Attorneys in 3 States

Florida, Texas, and Arizona - backed by a track record of holding property owners, apartment complexes, nightclubs, and their insurers fully accountable.

Negligent security premises liability
What We Handle

Common Types of Negligent Security Accidents

At The Duncan Injury Group, we understand the devastating injuries that can result from negligent security incidents, which affect not only the injured party but their families as well. Irrespective of whether minor harm or life-altering consequences ensue, the aftermath of such incidents can be overwhelming. That is why our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to fiercely advocating for our clients' rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

With our vast experience in handling a diverse range of negligent security cases, including those occurring in public spaces, businesses, workplaces, or residential properties, we possess the knowledge and skills needed to navigate through legal complexities effectively. Whether engaging in negotiations with insurance companies, corporations and landowners or representing clients in court, we draw upon our comprehensive understanding of premises liability law and security standards to build compelling cases and secure favorable resolutions. If you've suffered an injury due to negligent security, you can rely on DIG Law to provide compassionate assistance and steadfast representation every step of the way.

Lack of Proper Lighting ▾
Inadequate or broken lighting in parking lots, stairwells, hallways, and common areas creates dangerous conditions that enable criminal activity. Property owners are required to maintain adequate illumination in all areas accessible to guests and residents.
Failure to Secure Entrances and Exits ▾
Broken gates, malfunctioning key-card systems, propped doors, and unsecured entry points allow unauthorized individuals access to areas where guests and residents have a right to be safe. A single failed lock can be the difference between safety and a violent crime.
Inadequate Surveillance ▾
Non-functional, poorly positioned, or entirely absent security cameras eliminate both deterrence and evidence. When a property owner knows their cameras are broken or their coverage has blind spots, continued failure to repair them is direct evidence of negligence.
Absence of Security Personnel ▾
Properties with a documented history of criminal incidents that fail to employ or adequately staff security personnel are knowingly exposing guests to foreseeable harm. Understaffed or undertrained guards are often treated the same as no guards at all under Florida law.
Wrongful Death Negligent Security Cases ▾
When a criminal attack on a property results in a death that adequate security could have prevented, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death premises liability claim. We represent grieving families with compassion and relentless advocacy against negligent property owners.
Lack of Proper Fencing or Barriers ▾
Absent or deteriorated perimeter fencing allows unrestricted access to properties - especially apartment complexes, parking structures, and commercial lots. Proper barriers are a basic and well-established security measure that courts expect property owners to maintain.
Defective or Malfunctioning Security Equipment ▾
Broken intercoms, failed alarm systems, inoperable emergency call boxes, and malfunctioning access controls are not just inconveniences - they are known hazards that a property owner has an obligation to repair promptly. A documented repair request that went unaddressed is powerful evidence of negligence.
Failure to Address Previous Security Issues ▾
When a property owner has received complaints, been put on notice of prior criminal activity, or conducted security audits revealing deficiencies - and failed to act - that inaction is the clearest possible evidence of foreseeability. Prior incident reports at the same property are among the most valuable documents we obtain in discovery.
Negligent / Over-Service of Alcohol ▾
When a bar, nightclub, or restaurant over-serves an individual who then commits a violent act, Florida's dram shop law and premises liability principles may both apply. The venue's failure to cut off visibly intoxicated patrons, combined with inadequate security to manage the foreseeable consequences, can create substantial liability.

Our Practice Areas

Serving Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Free consultation on every case.

Car Accident Injuries Slip & Fall Injuries Negligent Security Commercial Vehicle Motorcycle Injuries Rideshare Injuries Pedestrian Injuries Bicycle Injuries
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Frequently Asked

Negligent Security FAQ

The questions Florida, Texas, and Arizona negligent security victims ask us most - answered plainly. If yours isn't here, call us. It's always free.

What is negligent security and how is it different from other injury claims?
Negligent security is a type of premises liability claim where a property owner or business is held responsible for injuries caused by a criminal act that could have been prevented with reasonable security measures. Unlike a slip and fall, the harm comes from another person - an attacker, robber, or assailant - rather than a physical hazard. The property owner's liability arises from their failure to protect guests from a foreseeable crime.
What do I need to prove to win a negligent security case in Florida?
To succeed, you must establish four things: (1) the property owner owed you a duty of care as an invitee or guest; (2) the criminal act was foreseeable - meaning prior crimes or known dangers put the owner on notice; (3) the owner failed to provide reasonable security measures given that risk; and (4) that failure caused your injuries. Foreseeability - proven through prior incident reports, police call logs, and crime statistics for the area - is typically the central battleground.
What makes a crime "foreseeable" to a property owner?
Foreseeability is established through evidence that the property owner knew or should have known that criminal activity was a real risk at their location. This includes: prior criminal incidents at the same property, police call records showing a pattern of crime in the area, prior complaints to management about security concerns, the property's location in a high-crime area, and any prior security assessments the owner had conducted. Even a single prior similar incident can be sufficient to establish foreseeability.
What types of properties can be held liable for negligent security?
Any business or property that invites the public onto its premises can be held liable, including: apartment complexes, hotels and motels, bars and nightclubs, restaurants, parking lots and garages, shopping malls, convenience stores, hospitals, college campuses, and entertainment venues. The common thread is that the business profited from inviting people onto the property and had an obligation to keep them reasonably safe while there.
Can I sue if I was attacked in an apartment complex parking lot?
Yes - apartment complex negligent security cases are among the most common. Landlords and property management companies have an ongoing duty to protect residents and guests in common areas including parking lots, stairwells, laundry rooms, and pool areas. Evidence typically includes prior crime reports at the complex, broken or nonfunctional gate and lighting systems, management's failure to respond to previous tenant complaints about safety, and the absence of security personnel or camera systems that a comparable property would maintain.
What if I was attacked at a bar, nightclub, or concert venue?
Bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues have a heightened duty of care because the nature of their business - serving alcohol, crowds, late-night hours - creates an environment with elevated risk of violence. Claims in these settings often involve inadequate or undertrained security staff, failure to control intoxicated and aggressive patrons, prior incidents of violence that management ignored, and overservice of alcohol that contributed to the attacker's behavior. Florida's dram shop law may also apply.
Does it matter that the person who attacked me was a stranger, not an employee?
No. The property owner's liability is not based on employing the attacker - it is based on their failure to prevent a foreseeable attack. The third-party criminal is the direct cause of your injury, but the property owner's negligence is the legal basis for your claim. The owner created the conditions - inadequate lighting, no security, known prior crimes - that allowed the attack to happen. This is well-established Florida premises liability law.
What security failures most commonly support a negligent security claim?
The most common failures include: inadequate or broken lighting in parking lots, stairwells, and common areas; malfunctioning or absent security cameras; broken gates, fences, or door locks that allowed unauthorized entry; no security personnel despite a known history of criminal activity; failure to respond to prior complaints about safety; and undertrained or understaffed security guards who were not equipped to handle foreseeable threats.
What types of injuries do negligent security cases typically involve?
Negligent security cases frequently involve serious and traumatic injuries including: gunshot wounds, stab wounds, traumatic brain injuries from assault, broken bones and facial fractures, sexual assault, robbery-related injuries, and wrongful death when an attack proves fatal. The psychological trauma - PTSD, anxiety, depression - that follows a violent attack is also a recoverable category of damages in these cases.
What evidence is critical in a negligent security case?
Key evidence includes: police reports and 911 call logs from the property showing prior criminal activity; surveillance footage (which disappears within 30 to 72 hours - call us immediately); property maintenance and security inspection records; prior tenant or customer complaints about safety; security contracts and staffing records; crime statistics for the area; and expert testimony from a security standards specialist. We act immediately to preserve all of this the moment we are retained.
Can I still recover if the attacker was never caught or convicted?
Yes. Your claim is against the property owner, not the attacker. The criminal prosecution runs on a separate track from your civil claim. The standard of proof in a civil negligent security case is a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not), which is far lower than the criminal "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard. Many negligent security cases are resolved successfully even when the perpetrator is never identified or prosecuted.
What compensation can I recover in a negligent security case?
Recoverable damages include: medical bills - emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment; lost wages and lost earning capacity; pain and suffering; emotional distress and PTSD - particularly significant in violent attack cases; loss of enjoyment of life; disfigurement and scarring; and in wrongful death cases, damages for surviving family members. Where the property owner's conduct was egregious or reckless, punitive damages may also be available.
How long do I have to file a negligent security lawsuit in Florida?
For incidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023, Florida's statute of limitations for negligence claims - including negligent security - is two years from the date of the incident. The prior four-year window no longer applies. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to compensation. Do not wait - surveillance footage disappears within days, police records become harder to obtain, and witness accounts fade. Contact us immediately.
Does DIG Law handle negligent security cases in Texas and Arizona too?
Yes. We are licensed and actively practicing in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. Negligent security premises liability law exists in all three states - property owners in Texas and Arizona are equally obligated to protect invited guests from foreseeable criminal harm. Both states also carry two-year statutes of limitations for personal injury claims. Call the office nearest to you and we will handle the rest at no upfront cost.
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Some of Our Notable Wins

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Actual published case results. Every case is different - past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

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